With camping season underway, the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources are reminding residents and visitors that invasive pests and diseases can hitchhike in untreated firewood, spreading easily from one location to another.
A news release says many of these harmful pests, including hemlock woolly adelgid, Asian longhorned beetle and oak wilt are difficult to see with the naked eye, making them easy to transport unintentionally. Once established, these pests are extremely difficult, and often impossible, to eliminate, leading to costly, long-term impacts.
Experts say these pests can threaten our food and agriculture industry, kill native trees and plants as well as damage habitats critical for wildlife.
In addition to protecting Michigan’s natural resources from invasive pests, campers also should be mindful of general fire safety to reduce the risk of wildfires, especially during dry summer months and near heavily wooded areas.Some tips include never leaving a fire unattended and keep fires small and manageable.
You can find more information at Michigan.gov/dontmovefirewood
