LANSING, MI— The Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources are reminding residents to be careful with their firewood this summer.
Officials say more than 140 pests and plant diseases can hitch a ride in untreated firewood, traveling hundreds of miles before emerging to wreak havoc on local ecosystems. Many are difficult to see with the naked eye.
To prevent the spread of any invasive species that might be lurking in your logs, buy certified, heat-treated firewood. It comes with a stamp or seal that proves it’s safe to move long distances. The heat eliminates invasive species hiding in the wood.
Or collect or purchase firewood at your destination. It should never be moved more than 10 miles from where it was originally cut, unless it’s been heat-treated.
