Firewood Restrictions

 

A FIREWOOD RESTRICTION ORDER issued by the Forest Supervisor bans the possession, storage, or transport of any firewood that originates from outside the state of Minnesota. Read the Closure Order for more information.

Firewood Movement and Forest Pests

  • Movement of firewood has been closely associated with the spread of several very damaging forest pests, including the emerald ash borer (EAB), Sirex wood wasp, gypsy moth, Asian long-horned beetle, and a number of other wood-boring insects, plus decay and wood-stain fungi as well as the pathogens that cause Dutch elm disease, oak wilt, and sudden oak death.
  • Firewood is a prime candidate for movement of forest pests into new areas since, unlike other forest products such as nursery stock and lumber, the movement of firewood is largely unregulated because it relies heavily on individuals and small operations that come and go.
  • Minnesota forests are at particular risk from EAB. Minnesota has the third largest volume of ash timber in the nation and ash trees were used extensively as street trees to replace elms lost to Dutch elm disease in the '70s and '80s.
  • EAB is a tiny bug that is devastating forests and neighborhood trees in Canada and several of Minnesota's neighboring states. To date, EAB has killed more than 20 million ash trees and infested over 40,000 square miles in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and parts of Canada.
  • Picture this: Insect pests spread at a rate of about 0.5 to 2 miles per year on their own. When they are carried on firewood, their spread rate jumps to 55 miles per hour.

What Can I Do to Help "Slow the Spread"?

  • When camping or picnicking in the Chippewa National Forest, find a DNR approved firewood vendor near your destination, be sure to keep your receipt to show proof of purchase. 
  • In some CNF campgrounds certified wood is available on site.  See the Campground Host for more information. 
  • If you plan to camp in state parks or forests check with the state park or state forest campground before you leave home to make sure you know the latest recommendations and regulations on firewood movement to and within Minnesota.

For more information on EAB:

Certified Firewood Sellers:

MN Department of Natural Resources Firewood FAQ's: