Many people like to take firewood from their homes before traveling to a campsite. Invasive pests like the emerald ash borer or Asian long-horned beetle often hitch a ride to new areas in untreated wood. As a result, transport of untreated wood across the state has caused outbreaks of these damaging pests.

Since 2009, New York State has regulated the movement of firewood to keep the spread of invasives down. If you choose to use untreated firewood, it must have been grown in New York and cannot be moved more than 50 miles from where it was grown or its source. Producers of firewood for sale are allowed to declare their business as the source provided the wood was grown within 50 miles of their business, and they must maintain documentation. Those moving untreated firewood for their own use must fill out a Self-Issued Certificate of Origin (PDF). Treated wood, which has been heated to a core temperature of 160° F for 75 minutes and labeled as “New York Approved Heat-treated Firewood/Pest Free,” can be moved without restrictions. DEC has an interactive map that shows if the firewood’s source and its destination are within 50 miles.

Violation of firewood regulations can result in fines, penalties, and the potential destruction of beloved trees and habitats. The safest way to enjoy a campfire and protect New York forests is to buy and burn local firewood at your destination.