Massachusetts prohibits the movement of firewood into state parks. (Firewood is available for purchase within the parks.) This is because invasive tree pests like the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle often spread to new areas via the movement of firewood.
Also, a large area around Worcester, Massachusetts is under federal quarantine for Asian longhorned beetle – this quarantine strictly prohibits the movement of firewood out of the regulated area.
Additional invasive pests like spotted lanternfly can lay their eggs on firewood and trees that are cut for firewood; they have the potential to cause widespread damage to the state’s natural and agricultural resources. Due to the serious threat posed by these and other destructive tree pests, Massachusetts authorities strongly advise that you avoid moving firewood long distances.
Private campgrounds throughout Massachusetts often have their own firewood policies. Many nearby states (e.g., CT, ME, NH, NY, VT) have legal restrictions on the movement of firewood into their states. To ensure you are in compliance with local firewood regulations, learn the rules at your destination prior to transporting firewood out of Massachusetts.
This summary is accurate to the best of DMF staff abilities as of 9 July 2024.
Massachusetts Web Resources:
- Massachusetts State Campground Firewood Regulations
- Invasive Pest Dashboard, Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources
- Asian Longhorned Beetle information, USDA APHIS
- Emerald Ash Borer in Massachusetts, Mass.gov
- Regional Map of Spotted Lanternfly updated monthly, Cornell University
- Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project
- Current Forest Health Threats in MA
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