Author: Leigh Greenwood

BioBlitz in Great Barrington

Posted on by Leigh Greenwood

Species Scavenger Hunt in Berkshire County, MA

by Ariel Kirk

 

Last weekend marked the fourth Berkshire BioBlitz located in Great Barrington, MA- and the first event for the summer intern season for Don't Move Firewood! This year’s BioBlitz was hosted by Collin Adkins, an AmeriCorps member serving in the Berkshire region.  Volunteers and nature enthusiasts came together to lead educational and eye-opening programs for the community.  Local organizations like Project Native, Berkshire Natural Resource Council (BRNC), Greenagers, and our own campaign for Don’t Move Firewood turned out to support the event.  The concept was simple, but still a large undertaking:   In a 24 hour span, identify as many species as possible by observing the wildlife and local biodiversity.  Many of the volunteers led nature walks to look and listen for birds or to identify trees, mushrooms, or whatever else caught their fancy.

 

Katie and I had a great time meeting new people and introducing them, in turn, to the message of Don’t Move Firewood and the importance of maintaining the health of our forests.  We’re both looking forward to an amazing summer working as the Don’t Move Firewood interns.

 

So who are we?

 

I (Ariel Kirk) am from Rochester, NY and have always liked the outdoors and exploring my surroundings.  I’m graduating this summer from SUNY Brockport with my MS in Environmental Science and Biology.  There’s a huge range of biodiversity in forest environments and that variety is what initially captured my interest about nature as a child.  This biodiversity is in jeopardy in part because of invasive pests.  I’m looking forward to spreading the information I’ve learned during my academic career and through this program to bring awareness to the public and how we can make a considerable difference in the health of our forests.

 

I (Katie Robb) recently graduated from Smith College in Northampton, MA with a B.A. in Environmental Science & Policy. I spent most of my childhood in New Hampshire on the seacoast, but have lived in Western Massachusetts for the past four years. During my final two semesters of college, I became increasingly interested in invasive species management. Working with Don’t Move Firewood aligns perfectly with my interest in addressing the protection of our native species in New England. I see this internship as a way to make meaningful contributions to my community and environmental movement, and hopefully will jumpstart my career in the conservation field.

 

Next weekend (June 21st and 22nd) we'll have our booth at the Clearwater Festival in New York! Stop by to say hello-  you might even get the chance to spin our prize wheel and win some fun gear.

 

Using ends of cut 2x4s?

Posted on by Leigh Greenwood

Dear Don’t Move Firewood,

I have a ton of 2 x 4 pieces to burn. Are those ok to bring to a campground?

Yours,

Avid Lumber User

 

Dear Avid Lumber User,

Someone must have put out “the Bat Signal” for 2 x 4s as firewood this week, because you are the fourth person to email me about this since Friday. So let’s set the record straight on cut scrap 2 x 4 ends!

 

From a practical perspective, commercially kiln dried clean scraps of lumber (also called dimensional lumber) are a pretty safe alternative to traditional cut firewood. Because they are bark-free, and are usually stored indoors, this is a very low risk wood choice.

 

However, from several other perspectives, they become a problem. Here’s a quick breakdown of the issues:

  • Some campsites ban what they consider “construction scraps” to protect the safety of their maintenance workers. Even if YOUR 2×4 scraps don’t have sharp nails and brackets and screws in them, they might be banned anyways.
  • Scrap wood stored outside can absolutely still have hitchhitching forest pests on or in it. For instance, spongy moths will readily lay eggs on wood scraps.
  • Wood scraps can fall into a grey area in terms of the legality of moving firewood across certain borders. You don’t want to think something is legal, only to find out that you could be subject to fines for moving just a bit of scrap wood.
  • Treated wood is highly toxic when burned. Make sure to keep any treated wood separated from the clean 2x4s pile to avoid accidentally burning hazardous chemicals like arsenic.

 

So what’s our formal opinion on 2 x 4 scrap lumber bits for firewood? Its fine for home use, backyard use, and local campgrounds when permitted. But because it brings up a lot of questions when moved farther or across borders, it’d be best to restrict using 2x4s to your nearby campgrounds, and call ahead.

 

For information on a related topic, burning pallets, see our 2013 blog “What about burning pallets?”

What about rot and insect resistant wood?

Posted on by Leigh Greenwood

Dear Don’t Move Firewood,

Some wood is resistant to bugs, such as eucalyptus.  Is it banned from Utah forests?

Yours,

Inquisitive Firewood User

 

Dear Inquisitive Firewood User,

You’ve got a good two part question here- is a wood like eucalyptus (which is rot and insect resistant) safe to move, and also what are the regulations in Utah. Let’s do them in reverse order.

 

At this time, Utah does not explicitly ban all firewood from out of state, so it would be legal to bring wood from some nearby states in most cases. Essentially, as long as the wood isn’t under quarantine (such as hardwood from an emerald ash borer infested area, or wood stored on the ground in an imported fire ant infested area), you could bring it to Utah. You can look up a quick summary of Utah’s recommendations on our map. Now, just because it is a legal action doesn’t mean we recommend moving firewood into Utah forests from out of state, so please remember the rule of thumb is still not to move it over 50 miles from wood source to campfire location.

 

Separately, an important thing to take into account is that some forest pests – such as the very damaging European spongy moth– don’t live inside the wood itself, but instead they lay eggs on the wood after it has been cut. So even resistant woods like eucalyptus can pose a hazard in those situations. Further, if you live in an area under quarantine for Imported Fire Ant, they can infest any firewood that is stored right on the ground and it is illegal to move firewood from those areas.

 

Good luck, and thanks for asking!

 

Links to learn more:

Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week Press Release by Montana Department of Agriculture

Posted on by Leigh Greenwood

Here’s an excellent example of a press release provided this morning by the Montana Department of Agriculture for Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, May 19, 2014

 

Emerald Ash Borer: Ash Tree Killer

Invasive Pest Could Decimate Ash Trees in Montana Cities and Urban Areas

Helena, Mont. – In an ongoing effort to increase awareness of the threat of emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, the Montana Department of Agriculture is tagging ash trees that are at risk if the invasive pest is discovered within the state.  The tagging and awareness efforts will coincide with Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week from May 19 – 25, 2014.

“Tens of millions of ash trees are dying across the country from the emerald ash borer.  While it has not been detected in Montana, our ash trees are at still at risk, especially now that EAB was discovered in Boulder, Colorado last year.   Preventing the spread of the emerald ash borer from other states with known infestation and early detection will help stave off the worst impacts,” explained Ian Foley, pest management program manager for agriculture.

Capitol grounds crews and department of agriculture specialists identified ash trees in and around the State Capitol, and marked those at risk with a green tag that states: ‘THIS ASH TREE IS AT RISK OF BEING KILLED BY THE EMERALD ASH BORER.’ The tag directs people to www.emeraldashborer.info for information on the pest and management options and www.dontmovefirewood.org for information on the transportation of EAB.

 

“Ash trees make up roughly 30% of the public trees in Montana’s urban forests,” according to Jamie Kirby, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation urban forestry program manager. “The potential impacts from this pest cannot be ignored – millions of dollars of ash trees are at risk.  Our best case scenario is early detection with collaborative efforts, frequent sampling and monitoring for signs of the emerald ash borer.”

For example, the city of Helena has around 6,900 ash trees that are at risk.

“The Montana Urban and Community Forestry Association (MUCFA) was the first western group to promote an ash branch sampling methodology recommended by Canadian Forest Service research.  We have to be diligent to ensure we find EAB earlier than Colorado did if we are going to have a chance to contain its spread,” said Patrick Plantenberg, chair of the association.  It was estimated that EAB had been present in Colorado for several years before it was officially detected.

The emerald ash borer spreads slowly on its own, rarely flying more than a mile from where it hatches in its lifetime.  When accidentally transported by people, it can travel hundreds of miles in a single day.  Infested firewood is the most common source of new infestations.  Infested nursery stock, and wooden packaging may also harbor EAB larvae.

Leigh Greenwood, Don’t Move Firewood National Manager with The Nature Conservancy said, “We want people to know that when they visit Montana from out of state, they should not be bringing firewood with them. It is just not worth risking millions of dollars in damage to save a few bucks on your bundle of firewood. Montana has plenty of locally harvested firewood for sale, or visitors are welcome to gather firewood near their campsites whenever it is allowed.”

The green tags will be prominent on ash trees throughout the week.  Other cities interested in coordinating an education and outreach effort in their community should contact the department’s pest management bureau at (406) 444-9454.

The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries.  For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov.

Buying firewood at a large store?

Posted on by Leigh Greenwood

Dear Don't Move Firewood,

I am on the Board of Directors for my community in (town near Denver), Colorado, and I want to spread the word to my community about moving firewood. I am unclear on one thing: Is firewood bought from the grocery store, or a big box store, okay if it is sourced from far away? Thank you!

Concerned Citizen

 

Dear Concerned Citizen,

 

You are right to be a little perplexed about how and if large stores purchase firewood wisely. While large stores are going to be very careful to source their firewood supplies legally, the legal rules in place actually aren't fully protective against certain forest pest situations. For instance, many forest pest infestations take years to be discovered- and all that time, firewood could be shipped hundreds of miles away to be sold at your town's chain gas stations, large grocery stores, and "big box" retailers. Likewise, native forest pests could be present and not subject to quarantines- yet moving these pests hundreds or even thousands of miles in firewood can pose a very real risk to forests and trees.

 

I inquired with my colleague Mitch Yergert, Director of the Colorado Division of Plant Industry, to see what his official statement might be for Colorado firewood. He said, "Because there are no national firewood regulations, we have no way of knowing what pests firewood imported from outside of Colorado may be harboring.  Therefore it is much better to purchase firewood produced locally so that the chance of moving plant pests is greatly reduced."

 

This bring us to- what is local? when is firewood actually local? That's a really tricky question- in Wisconsin, the regulation is 10 miles from wood source to burn location. In many states, the guideline or regulation is 50 miles. For Colorado, the guidelines are not mileage specific, but instead authorities suggest "as close as possible" whenever feasible, and always from within the state of Colorado itself. Additionally, because of the presence of both non-native and native forest pests (emerald ash borer, thousand cankers disease, mountain pine beetle) in Colorado trees, it is extremely important for Coloradoans never to take firewood with them out of state, or even to different communities within the state.

 

The one notable exception to these out-of-state concerns is wood that is certified as heat treated, with USDA-APHIS heat treatment seal on it. This wood is heated in a kiln to a specific high temperature, for a set duration of time to "cook", which kills all potential pests in the wood. Packaged and labeled heat treated wood like this is safe to use even if it is from many states away. However, wood with a certified heat treatment seal is not widely available in Colorado, so it isn't a great solution to the general regional question. (Learn more about heat treated firewood, and how it is not the same as just kiln dried firewood, here)

 

Best of luck with your educational efforts!

 

Getting ready for Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week!

Posted on by Leigh Greenwood

May is a great month to get the word out about forest pests- and this year it brings the 10th annual Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week! The week is May 18th to 24th, 2014 and is planned and organized by the fine people at USDA APHIS. States all around the US will be issuing proclamations, press releases, and more. Here's a few ideas to get you going on your own outreach materials to work with this great effort!

 

 

 

 

Getting ready for summer!

Posted on by Leigh Greenwood

Things are in full swing here at Don’t Move Firewood. Here’s what we are up to:

  • We’ve done primary interviews with all the top candidates for the Don’t Move Firewood internship. Wow- what a great group! If you were interviewed, please check your email immediately, as we’ve now sent notifications of “call backs” (and non-call-backs) to all the interviewees.
  • Our annual order of amazing educational items is almost ready. From fake tattoos to water bottles, we are all abuzz with excitement around the office.
  • Schedule is being drawn up for the summer. Some new events, some old favorites.

Are you ready for YOUR summer? Camping, hiking, wearing an emerald ash borer costume, and telling everyone to buy local firewood or gather when permitted?

If you applied for our internships…

Posted on by Leigh Greenwood

What a week! If you applied for our two summer internship positions, please – PLEASE – check the email account that you included on your resume and/or cover letter. We have now emailed all the current first round phone interview candidates. Phone interviews are starting today! CHECK YOUR EMAIL.

 

Thanks! Have a great weekend.

 

 

Earth Day free downloads from Don’t Move Firewood!

Posted on by Leigh Greenwood

Getting ready to educate kids and adults during your upcoming Earth Day celebration? Download our free materials today, and help save trees and forests from invasive forest pests!

 

Don’t Move Firewood Coloring Sheets

– Asian longhorned beetle coloring sheet

– Emerald ash borer coloring sheet

– Firewood Users coloring sheet

– All three as a Coloring Book

 

Don’t Move Firewood Insect Masks

– Asian longhorned beetle mask

– Emerald ash borer mask

– Goldspotted oak borer mask

– Spongy moth mask

– Walnut twig beetle mask

– Find out all about our forest pests masks here

Oak firewood from Missouri to Colorado?

Posted on by Leigh Greenwood

Dear Don’t Move Firewood,

I am wondering about moving oak firewood from Missouri to Colorado.  If it is legal do we need a permit or something to go across different states?  If you could please let me know I would appreciate it.

Thank you, Two Missourians

Dear Two Missourians,

Thanks for asking about firewood. It is illegal to remove any hardwood firewood from the state of Missouri due to the presence of both state laws and the federal emerald ash borer quarantine, with a very specific exception for hardwood firewood that has been heat treated and packaged at a federally certified commercial kiln facility. My guess is that you are asking about private firewood- so the answer is definitely that you cannot legally move oak firewood from Missouri to Colorado. There is no permit that would make bringing untreated (regular, not commercially heat treated) oak firewood from Missouri to Colorado OK.

Good luck with your trip, and please purchase firewood when you get near your final destination in Colorado!

Here are some good resources: