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Planning to sit around a fire at the campgrounds or in the backyard this long Labor Day holiday weekend? There's good reasons to "buy local" when it comes to the wood used, state officials advise.
Firewood movement is among the most common pathways for spreading invasive insects and plant diseases, according to the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources. The Michigan Invasive Species Program's longstanding "Don't Move Firewood" campaign asks Michiganders to purchase firewood at or near their destination and choose certified products whenever possible.
The agencies also are working on better supplies of certified invasive-free firewood that
"Michigan's forests, parks and natural areas are among our state's most treasured assets," MDARD Director Tim Boring said in a news release. "By choosing certified invasive-free firewood, consumers can play an important role in protecting those resources and preventing the spread of harmful pests and diseases."
To expand the "Don't Move Firewood" campaign, MDARD and DNR have teamed up to help Michigan producers and suppliers become certified through the Invasive-Free Firewood Certification Program, which has been heat-treated to neutralize invasive pests and diseases, making it safe to transport.
"Local producers who become certified show they care about Michigan's forests and the future availability of wood products," DNR Director Scott Bowen said in the release. "They also help to provide consumers with a safe firewood option, no matter where they travel in the state."
More than 140 pests and plant diseases can hitch a ride in untreated firewood, traveling hundreds of miles before emerging to wreak havoc on local ecosystems. Many of these harmful pests -- including hemlock woolly adelgid, Asian longhorned beetle and oak wilt -- are difficult to see with the naked eye, making them easy to transport unintentionally. Once established, these pests are extremely difficult or even impossible to eradicate.
Invasive species can --
-- Threaten Michigan's nearly $126 billion food and agriculture industry and $26 billion forest products industry.
-- Kill native trees and plants and reduce biodiversity.
-- Damage habitats critical for wildlife and recreational activities.
-- Lead to quarantines or restrictions that affect local communities and businesses.
-- Properly heat-treating firewood eliminates these threats by destroying harmful invasive pests, helping protect Michigan's natural and agricultural resources. Non-certified firewood should not be moved more than 10 miles from where it was originally cut.
Consumers are encouraged to look for Michigan's "Certified Invasive-Free" seal or the U.S. Department of Agriculture certification shield on packaging to ensure that firewood has been heat-treated to prevent invasive species spread.
Producers or suppliers who wish to become certified should reach out to the Invasive-Free Firewood Certification Program.
For more information about actions Michigan is taking to combat the spread of invasive species, go online to the Michigan Invasive Species Program web page.