The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources next month will hold a public hearing on a plan to tighten restrictions on the movement of firewood into state forests and parks.
The DNR currently bans wood from out of state coming into state lands. The proposal would ban wood from anywhere farther than 50 miles, even from within the state.
State officials are worried about an infestation of emerald ash borers which were confirmed as close as Illinois just days ago. The insect is decimating forests as close as Michigan.
The insects, along with other forest pests, are often spread rapidly by the movement of firewood.
Earlier this month the Apostle Island National Lakeshore banned any movement of wood into or between the park's islands, the toughest firewood ban in the region. Park officials hope to keep healthy ash forests after other ash forests on the mainland are eventually destroyed by the emerald ash borer.
There are about 717 million ash trees in Wisconsin's forests. It's also the second most common tree along city streets, accounting for as much as a third of all urban trees. The economic value of ash to Wisconsin's timber industry is nearly $1 billion.
Minnesota officials so far have imposed only a request to campers and others not to move firewood into or within the state.
The video pubic hearing will be shown held at three sites July 5 at 7 p.m., including at the University of Wisconsin-Wausau. To make comments, or for more information, e-mail dnrforestryrules@dnr.wi.gov or go to adminrules.wisconsin.gov or call (608) 264-9247.Duluth News Tribune
