October is Firewood Month!
October is Firewood Month!
Did you know every person who uses the Bridger-Teton National Forest plays a vital role in protecting the forest land we all love? Enjoying a campfire after a day’s activities could bring some unintended consequences. Invasive and destructive pests can be transported inside of firewood that is brought in from out of the area. We hope you’ll enjoy learning about some fast ways you can protect national forest land.
What You Can Do
Don’t move or transport firewood! Instead, consider these options instead:
- Buy firewood where you’ll burn it.
- Buy certified heat-treated firewood.
- Gather firewood on site when permitted.
- Use all firewood that you gather on site completely.
- Do not take any previously gathered firewood home with you.
Wyoming’s State Forestry Division strongly advises to always get firewood as close to your destination as possible to prevent the introduction and spread of tree-killing pests in the state. Remember to always check county regulations for any restrictions related to fires where you are recreating.
A good rule of thumb when determining what is an appropriate distance to transport firewood for your outdoor adventure: 50 miles is too far, and 10 miles or less is best. Still unsure? The best option is to get out and walk and gather it where you are located. Taking a walk for your firewood on-site creates a 12.4% drop in stress hormones, a 1.4% drop in blood pressure, and a 5.8% drop in heart rate.
What Pests Pose A Threat to Wyoming Forests?
Currently, Western Spruce Budworm is Wyoming's most concerning forest health issue. The Wyoming Forestry Division is concerned with the spread of the highly destructive Emerald Ash Borer and Spongy Moth pests on firewood. Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a non-native invasive insect that infests native North American ash trees. It was accidentally introduced to the Midwest and has since been spreading to other areas of the U.S. and Canada ever since.
Mountain Pine Beetle and Spruce Beetle, additionally, are two of the most damaging insects in Wyoming’s forests. Since the early 1990s, these native beetles have caused tree mortality over millions of acres of federal, state, and private forests in Wyoming.
Many visitors to Wyoming live in areas under quarantine for Spongy Moth and Asian long-horned beetle; it is illegal to move firewood into Wyoming from areas infested with these pests. Additionally, Spotted Lanternfly poses a significant threat to Wyoming forests as it has been known to attack over 70 woody plant species.
Spread the Word, Not Pests!
Remember - Don’t Move Firewood and Buy It Where You Burn It! Please educate those you recreate with on the hazards when bringing in firewood from out of the area, to get certified heat-treated firewood near their campsite in national park areas, and continue to be an advocate to help keep our forests healthy! Thank you for being responsible and helping protect our forests from invasive species when gathering firewood! 🔥🪵
Learn more about what you can do by visiting:
https://www.dontmovefirewood.org/
Learn more about current Forest Management and Forest Health Initiatives at:
https://sites.google.com/wyo.gov/firewood/home
https://wsfd.wyo.gov/forest-management/forest-health-management