Trees in towns and forests are threatened by native and exotic insects and diseases that can kill trees. Insects and diseases can hitch a ride in a load of firewood.
Remember to always get firewood as close to your destination as possible.
Let’s keep forests healthy so we can continue to enjoy camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing.
What to know about mountain pine beetles, spruce beetles, and emerald ash borers
Mountain pine beetle (opens in a new tab) and spruce beetle (opens in a new tab) are two of the most important insect pests in Wyoming's forests.
Since the early 1990s, these native beetles have caused tree mortality over millions of acres of federal, state, and private forests in Wyoming. These insects can be transported in firewood.
Emerald ash borer (opens in a new tab) (EAB) is a non-native invasive insect that infests native North American ash trees. It was accidentally introduced to the Midwest and has since been spreading to other areas of the U.S. and Canada.
Satellite infestations (opens in a new tab) of EAB include Boulder County, Colorado. Ash trees are native to parts of eastern Wyoming, but considering the widespread urban planting of ash trees, EAB (opens in a new tab) has the potential to impact most Wyoming communities eventually.
By not transporting firewood (opens in a new tab), we can substantially delay EAB's arrival in Wyoming. EAB has not yet been detected in Wyoming and there is a state EAB response plan (opens in a new tab) in place.