CHEYENNE — Campers and others should not carry firewood across state lines because of the possibility of spreading destructive insects, state wildlife and forestry officials say.
“Firewood carries insects and diseases that can kill trees,” Les Koch of Wyoming State Forestry said. “Any firewood brought into Wyoming should be completely burned at the campsite in compliance with local fire restrictions. Better yet, leave firewood at home and buy from a local source instead.”
Of special concern is the emerald ash borer, an exotic beetle from Asia that has killed more than 20 million ash trees in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania. Some states have imposed quarantines on ash materials because of the pest.
Forestry managers are concerned that the beetle could reach Wyoming.
“Wyoming has a small but important ash population that we want to conserve,” Koch said in a statement.
