Firewood Quarantine Proposed By MDARD

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The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is proposing an exterior firewood quarantine to prevent the introduction of unwanted plant pests and diseases into Michigan. The department says public comments need to be made by November 19. More than 140 pests and diseases can be moved by firewood, including Asian long-horned beetle, mountain pine beetle and spotted lanternfly. These pests are not known to exist in Michigan but could be accidently brought into the state by travelers transporting firewood.

The proposed quarantine would require all firewood shipped into the state to be certified as heat treated at a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 60 minutes. Kiln-dried lumber and wood chips smaller than one inch and logs or wood shipped from out of state directly to mills and facilities for immediate processing would be exempt. Officials note it is difficult to eradicate a pest or disease once established, and management practices such as tree removal and reoccurring pesticide application can causes significant economic hardship for municipalities, counties, industry, and homeowners.