The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan Invasive Species Program just announced a new firewood quarantine to protect Michigan’s agriculture, forests and natural resources from invasive insects and plant diseases.
It kicks off January 1st of next year.At that time, it will no longer be permissible for anyone to bring untreated firewood into Michigan, which is called a “quarantine.”
The quarantine will not apply to firewood that has been properly heat-treated and certified by MDARD, another state agriculture department or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
MDARD Director Tim Boring, says, “Preventing the introduction of invasive pests is far more effective than trying to manage an established infestation. This new measure is an important step in preventing harmful pests from entering Michigan.”
With this new announcement, Michigan joins Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin and other states that also only allow certified, heat-treated firewood to cross their state lines.
