Michigan warns fall travelers against Moving untreated firewood

Michigan officials are urging hunters, campers and other fall travelers to leave untreated firewood at home to limit the spread of invasive insects and tree diseases. The warning comes during October’s Firewood Month and ahead of a statewide restriction taking effect Jan. 1, 2027, that will allow only heat-treated, certified firewood to enter Michigan.

Untreated wood can carry insects, eggs and disease-causing fungi even when it looks healthy. Firewood movement helped spread emerald ash borer in Michigan, which has killed an estimated 40 million trees since 2002. Spotted lanternflies in the southern Lower Peninsula also can travel on firewood or lay eggs on it.

Officials recommend buying certified, heat-treated wood or getting firewood at the destination. Untreated wood should stay within 10 miles of where it was cut, and travelers should leave unused firewood at their destination.

Read the full story at mynewberrynews.com.