Finding a local firewood source
With the discovery of Emerald ash borer in Saint Paul, you may have been told to buy firewood locally, since firewood, especially with intact bark, can harbor insect pests and fungal diseases. When transported to a new area, it can then introduce a new tree problem—like Emerald ash borer—to an area’s forests.
A good rule of thumb is to buy or collect firewood within 100 miles of the place you plan to use it. If you are on a trip, be sure to buy only the amount you will need for your trip and burn it all.
According to new rules, firewood must be labeled if it has been transported over state lines or greater than 100 miles from its origin and offered for sale. If you buy firewood from a big box store, be sure that there is a label on it noting the origin.
In order to protect forests, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates the type of firewood that can enter a state park. As a result, the DNR has created an approval process for firewood dealers and publishes a list of those dealers on its Web site. For a list of all DNR-approved firewood dealers, visit http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/firewood/firewoodVendors.pdf.
You can also search by state park; a suggested search is to choose “Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area” since it’s closes to Minnetonka. Many vendors are listed who sell wood originating within 100 miles of the park—and thus your home in Minnetonka. Visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/firewood_vendors/vendors/list.html.
In evaluating whether or not your firewood is appropriate, see state guidelines for firewood sales at www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/firewood.aspx.
Questions? Contact city forester Emily Barbeau Ball at 952.988.8421.
For more information on firewood, visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/firewood.aspx or the Minnesota DNR at www.dnr.state.mn.us/firewood/index.html.
