Washington State agencies urge campers to ‘buy where they burn’ to prevent spread of invasive species

OLYMPIA – Several state agencies are advising campers and outdoor enthusiasts to buy firewood instead of hauling it in this camping season. The Washington Invasive Species Council, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ Urban and Community Forestry Program, the Washington State Department of Agriculture and Washington State University Extension are sponsoring the “Buy Where You Burn” campaign. to help prevent the spread of invasives. species.

The warning comes after the emerald ash borer, a destructive wood beetle, was found in Vancouver, British Columbia, earlier this month. The beetle, which was first discovered on the West Coast near Portland, Oregon, in 2022, has devastated ash trees across North America, killing hundreds of millions.

The threat of the Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald ash borer larvae burrow under the tree’s bark and consume the sapwood, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, eventually causing its death. These invasive pests can be transported in firewood at any stage of life, making it easy for them to spread over long distances.

Stephanie Helms, executive coordinator for the Washington Invasive Species Council, points out the danger: “Emerald ash and other invasive insects can devastate Washington’s forests. Damage to our forests can affect recreation, tourism and businesses and the wildlife that rely on them.”

Economic impact

Moving firewood from one location to another can inadvertently introduce these pests to new areas. Helms notes, “Forest pests cost local governments across the country an estimated $1.7 billion each year, not including costs to landowners. With more than 41 million visitors to state parks alone, we need to be more vigilant.”

How to help

Campers and outdoor enthusiasts can help protect forests by following these guidelines:

• Do not move firewood. Always buy it near where you will burn it.
• Spread the word. Inform friends, neighbors and family about the dangers of moving firewood.
• Call ahead. Find local lumber dealers near your camping destinations.
• Learn to identify pests. Visit the Washington Invasive Species Council website to identify pests of concern.
• Burn all firewood before leaving a campsite.

Helms also advises checking shoes, bags, boxes and outdoor gear for bugs to prevent the accidental transport of invasive species.

Additional Resources

For more information on preparing for and preventing invasive pests, the Washington Urban Forest Pest Preparedness Handbook provides tools and recommendations. Landowners seeking emerald ash borer guidance can refer to the Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program Recommendations and Washington State University Extension publications on pest management.

“Trees are central to our identity as Washingtonians,” Helms concludes. “And it’s up to all of us to be ready for pests, not to move firewood and buy it where we burn it.”

For further details, visit the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Washington State Department of Agriculture websites.