Firewood Month and The Don’t Move Firewood Campaign:

October is Firewood Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of moving firewood and the importance of using local, certified, and heat-treated firewood. This month provides a great opportunity to increase public understanding and encourage responsible firewood practices that help protect our forests from invasive species. The Don’t Move Firewood campaign plays a key role in these efforts by promoting messages such as:

• Burn Local Wood: Encouraging individuals to use firewood that is sourced locally or from approved vendors near their camping or recreational destination.
• Don’t Transport Firewood: Advising against transporting firewood across long distances to prevent the spread of invasive pests and pathogens.
• Know the Regulations: Familiarizing individuals with state and federal regulations regarding the transportation of firewood to ensure compliance and minimize the risk of spreading invasive species. Visit the Firewood Map to learn about the regulations in your area.

Camping: A Beloved Tradition Under the Stars
Camping is a cherished tradition that allows people to reconnect with nature, enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors, and create lasting memories. There’s nothing quite like gathering around a campfire, sharing stories, roasting marshmallows, and gazing at the stars. Over the past decade, there has been a remarkable 68% increase in the number of active camping households, with 21.6 million additional households camping since 2014 (KOA Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, 2024). As more people venture out to enjoy these outdoor adventures, it becomes increasingly important to educate everyone about responsible camping practices, particularly in relation to firewood use, to protect our favorite campsites and natural spaces from invasive species.

Our forests are not only places of beauty and recreation but also vital ecosystems that support diverse plant and animal life. However, they face numerous threats, including the spread of invasive pests and pathogens through firewood transportation. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of the Don’t Move Firewood campaign in safeguarding our forests and preventing the spread of invasive species.

Transporting firewood from one location to another can unknowingly introduce invasive pests and pathogens, such as spongy moths, spotted lanternfly, emerald ash borers, and Asian longhorned beetles, to new areas. Once introduced, these tree-killing insects can devastate native tree populations, disrupt ecosystem dynamics, and compromise forest health. The consequences of invasive pests and pathogens can be severe, leading to widespread tree mortality, loss of biodiversity, and economic impacts on industries reliant on forest resources.

As outdoor enthusiasts, we all have a role to play in protecting our forests and preventing the spread of invasive species. Here are some actions we can take:

• Buy It Where You Burn It: Whenever possible, burn firewood sourced locally and purchase it from vendors near your camping or recreational destination. Firewood should come from within 50 miles of where you’ll have your fire or from the same county, if possible.
• Buy Certified, Heat-Treated Firewood: Whenever possible, buy certified, heat-treated firewood to minimize the chances of spreading unwanted pests. This is the only firewood that is safe to transport long distances.
• Gather Firewood Onsite: When permitted, gather firewood at your campsite.
• Spread the Word: Educate friends, family, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts about the importance of the Don’t Move Firewood campaign and encourage them to adopt responsible firewood practices.
• Follow Regulations: Familiarize yourself with state and federal regulations regarding the transportation and use of firewood, and always comply with them to minimize the risk of spreading invasive species.

By participating in Firewood Month and adhering to the principles of the Don’t Move Firewood campaign, we can all contribute to the conservation and preservation of our cherished natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

To learn more about this partner campaign, visit: https://www.dontmovefirewood.org/