’Tis the season for hot cider, falling leaves, crisp weather and cozy sweaters. Nothing is better on a fall evening than enjoying a toasty campfire with a s’more or two.
While enjoying a campfire in your yard, at a campground, or at a gathering with family and friends, remember to follow the New York state firewood regulations while making your fire; use wood from a source of origin 50 linear miles or less from your destination, or use heat-treated firewood.
Firewood can hide invasive species, like Asian longhorned beetle or spotted lanternfly, as well as tree diseases such as oak wilt. You could accidentally transport forest pests or diseases to new locations. The movement of firewood may be one of the major ways the emerald ash borer was able to infest most counties in New York in only 10-15 years. Visit DEC's website to learn more about how you can protect New York’s trees.
