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The problem with invasive species in Michigan has reached a point where the state is taking what it calls "the next step" to stem the spread: A quarantine on untreated firewood.
Starting Jan. 1, such firewood cannot be brought in from outside Michigan under Act 189 of 1931 -- The Insect Pest and Plant Disease Act, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan Invasive Species Program announced Thursday.
The quarantine will not apply to firewood that has been properly heat-treated and certified by MDARD, another state agriculture department or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The news comes a week after the Michigan Department of Natural Resources confirms the invasive spotted lanternfly, an Asian species that feeds on more than 70 different plants, including hardwoods and fruit trees, had spread to Berrian County in southwestern Lower Michigan. It is the seventh Michigan county to have a spotted lanternfly population.
This firewood quarantine is not unexpected nor unprecedented. Indeed, neighboring Wisconsin, plus Minnesota and several other states, already only allow certified, heat-treated firewood to cross their state lines. Requirements vary by state, and travelers should check FirewoodScout.org before moving firewood between states, MDARD advises in a news release.
"Firewood movement is one of the most common ways invasive pests and diseases can spread to new areas, often without anyone realizing it," MDARD Director Tim Boring said in the release. "Preventing the introduction of invasive pests is far more effective than trying to manage an established infestation. This new measure is an important step in preventing harmful pests from entering Michigan and protecting our forests, our agricultural resources, and the communities, industries and recreational opportunities they support and Michiganders enjoy."
The Michigan firewood quarantine follows the launch of the state's Invasive-Free Firewood Certification Program. This voluntary MISP initiative enables Michigan producers who properly heat-treat their firewood to apply a "Certified Invasive-Free" seal to their products. Those who are supportive of invasive species prevention measures should look for firewood that carries the new seal.
MDARD will partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to implement the firewood quarantine, which will focus heavily on education and awareness for all of 2027.
With this new announcement, Michigan joins Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin and other states that also only allow certified, heat-treated firewood to cross their state lines. Requirements vary by state, and travelers should check FirewoodScout.org before moving firewood between states.
Michigan's firewood quarantine will not apply to:
-- Certified, heat-treated firewood accompanied by an authorization certificate or label;
-- Kiln-dried dimensional lumber;
-- Wood pellets;
-- Wood chips no larger than 1 inch in two dimensions; and
-- Certain raw wood products transported directly to facilities for immediate processing at sawmills, veneer mills, pulp and paper mills, wood pellet manufacturers, firewood kiln operators and certain biomass and composite-product facilities.
Michigan firewood processors who source wood from outside of the state should contact MDARD.
The Michigan Invasive Species Program will host an informational webinar and Q&A session on Michigan's firewood quarantine from 9 to 10 a.m. Eastern time Thursday, Nov. 12. The webinar will be recorded and accessible on the NotMISpecies webinar web page.
For more information about Michigan's firewood quarantine, including treatment requirements, exemptions, and information for consumers and businesses, review MDARD's Firewood Quarantine Q&A and go to MDARD's Plant Pest Quarantine web page.
To learn more about good firewood practices to prevent the spread of invasive species, go to Michigan's Don't Move Firewood web page.