Hitchhiking Pests
Here's something I hadn't thought of until a friend brought it to my attention: When we transport firewood from one county to another, we carry pests in it. Do a Google search for "transport firewood" and you'll find lots of news articles like this one, quoting forest service personnel warning us not to transport firewood.
With summer upon us, here's a list of things the Union for Concerned Scientists says we can do to slow the spread of pests, like the emerald ash borer, which are devastating large swaths of forest and increasing the fire danger:
- Use local firewood.
- Do not transport firewood from home; (e.g., across county lines, especially to second homes such as summer houses, cottages, cabins and hunting shacks).
- Leave unused wood behind when you go home.
- Burn firewood where you bought it.