The distance from which state campground users may carry in firewood would be more than chopped in half under a plan being proposed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The current rule states only firewood originating from 25 miles or less may be brought into a state forest or state property or wood that comes from a vendor certified by the state as treating their wood to stop the transmission of pests or diseases.
The proposal would reduce that distance to 10 miles.
The state's chief forester, Paul DeLong, says the increased presence of invasive pests like the emerald ash borer, beech bark disease, and oak wilt is behind the recommendation to go before the Natural Resources Board on October 24.
"This is the prudent step to take when it comes to the health of the state’s forests," says DeLong. "It is important to note private homes and private property would not be affected by the suggested reduction in the distance firewood may be transported. This only pertains to state lands -- notably state campgrounds."
If the board supports DeLong's recommendation at its October 24 meeting, a draft rule change would be prepared and public hearings would be scheduled.
