The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is requesting public comment on a proposal to prevent firewood from being transported into the state in an effort to evade invasive species.
Until Feb. 9, MDARD will continue to accept public comment on a proposed firewood quarantine. The proposal would restrict the movement of firewood originating outside of the state of Michigan to prevent further introduction of invasive species into the environment.
The department estimates over 140 invasive species could come to the state via firewood transportation, including the Asian longhorned beetle, oak wilt, beech bark disease, spotted lanternfly and others that pose a serious threat to forests, agriculture and tourism industries.
The proposal does allow for some exceptions, in the case of kiln-dried lumber, wood chips no larger than 1 inch, and logs destined for immediate processing at sawmills, veneer and paper mills, pellet manufacturers, power plants and composite wood facilities. Additionally, the exceptions do rely on certain requirements such as certification and recordkeeping.
The proposed firewood quarantine would not apply to locally sourced timber, downed trees or limbs, use for personal homes, and wood not intended for resale.
