Firewood Advisory

Firewood and the Emerald Ash Borer

Moving firewood can unintentionally harm trees and the natural communities they create. Exotic, destructive pests are killing millions of trees each year throughout North America and have moved into Missouri.

The emerald ash borer, or EAB, which quickly infests and kills ash trees, has greatly reduced Missouri's ash tree numbers in urban and wilderness settings. The spread of EAB and other forest pests has been directly attributed to the movement of wood products, especially firewood.

How Can I Help Limit the Spread of Exotic Forest Pests?

To make sure you do not accidentally move exotic forest pests throughout our parks and state, and to help protect our trees, buy your firewood locally – at or near your camping destination. Most state parks have firewood for purchase, so take advantage of this convenient service.

Also, make sure you burn all of your firewood on-site while camping. Do not take firewood home with you, as it may spread unwanted pests to your local community.

Additional Resources

More information on how to protect trees from forest pests is available from the Don't Move Firewood campaign.