Input Sought on Wood Packaging/Firewood Regs

APHIS is seeking input on the issue of whether the federal government should regulate crates, pallets, cable drums and spools, and other forms of wood packaging that moves in the interstate and domestic market, as well as firewood that moves across state lines. The purpose of this regulation would be to prevent spread of introduced insects and other pests from areas where they have become established to other vulnerable areas.

To read the full documentation and submit comments, visit the Federal Register. The "Submit Comments" button is on the top right side of the page. Comments are due by October 26, 2009.

Emerald Ash Borer found in NY

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis, "EAB") has found for the first time in Western New York. The invasive, wood-boring beetle was discovered earlier this week when USDA employees noticed suspicious damage to ash trees off of a highway in the town of Randolph, located in Cattaraugus County. So far, about 30 trees have been flagged as infested. Surveys over the coming weeks will help determine the extent of the infestation.

To prevent the spread of EAB to other parts of the state, New York is asking its residents to avoid bringing firewood to campgrounds or parks, and to instead purchase firewood from local vendors with proof of that firewood source. Also, New York is one of several states that now ban untreated firewood from entering their state. For more information about the dangers of moving firewood and other untreated wood long distances, visit http://dontmovefirewood.org/

Untreated firewood from Canada now banned

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recently instituted a new regulation requiring that firewood imported into the US from Canada must be heat treated. This ruling, which applies to all hardwood (non-coniferous) trees, is meant to prevent the accidental introduction of non-native pests including the Asian longhorned beetle, the emerald ash borer, and the gypsy moth. To be approved for entry into the US, the firewood must be certified as being heat treated at 71.1'C (160'F) for at least 75 minutes. The ban includes transport of firewood for personal uses, such as camping - another good reason to buy and use firewood locally.

To learn more about why you shouldn't transport untreated firewood, check out the Don't Move Firewood website. You can also read the official Federal Import Quarantine Order here (pdf).

Photo source: NYS DEC

Buy Local, Burn Local

The Asian longhorned beetle, along with other wood-boring insects such as the emerald ash borer and the Sirex woodwasp, live the first part of their lives as white, worm-like larvae burrowed into the branches and trunks of trees. Because these larvae typically remain hidden until adulthood, when you transport firewood or cut branches you could be unknowingly transporting these invasive species with you.

This is one of the main reasons behind the order issued by the state to regulate the movement of wood products and live plants from the Asian longhorned beetle Regulated Area (Worcester and parts of Boylston, Holden, Shrewsbury and West Boylston). Since the infestation was first announced, Massachusetts has been working together with local and federal agencies to keep everyone informed. This includes compliance training for any business impacted by these regulations (from tree removal services to landscapers to firewood dealers), so that they can continue to do business while the eradication program gets underway.

The public remains our biggest and best weapon in the battle against the Asian longhorned beetle. Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with this wood-boring invader using our fact sheet and photo gallery. And if you see something suspicious, in your firewood or elsewhere, you can use our online reporting system to describe the damage and upload photos. You can also call the Massachusetts ALB Eradication Program hotline at 1-866-702-9938.

When it comes to firewood, go local

With camping season in full swing, this is an important reminder to avoid transporting firewood to or from camping sites. Using local firewood sources is an important way that you can prevent the spread of introduced pests, from plant diseases to boring insects such as the Asian longhorned beetle or the emerald ash borer. Research has shown that more than 75% of the infestations of emerald ash borer in the Midwest were caused by the transporting of firewood. Read more about the reasoning behind using local firewood sources in this article in The Jamestown Press, or on this page from the Maine Forest Service.