Proposal would reduce distance from which firewood can be brought to state properties
Public hearings on reduction to within 10 miles to be held Oct. 29
PEMBINE, Wis. -- As the risk from invasive forest pests and diseases moving in firewood has increased, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has acted to help prevent spread into state lands by regulating firewood that may enter state campgrounds and other properties.
Currently, campers may only bring in firewood that is either certified by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection or that is cut from within 25 miles of the destination state property. In response to the establishment of emerald ash borer in more locations in Wisconsin and the threat of other invasive species that can be transported in firewood, DNR is proposing to decrease that allowable distance that non-DATCP certified firewood can be transported to within 10 miles of the destination state property.
Public hearings will be held to gather comments, concerns and questions about this proposed change in the law governing firewood that enters state properties on Oct. 29, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the following locations:
- Green Bay - Room IS 1034, 2420 Nicolet Dr., Green Bay, WI (UW Green Bay campus)
- Eau Claire - Old Library, Room 1132, 105 Garfield Ave., Eau Claire, WI (UW EAU campus)
- Wausau - Room 218, 518 S 7th Ave., Wausau, WI (UWC/UW Marathon County campus)
- Madison - Room DE 227, 702 Langdon St., Madison, WI (Pyle Center, UW Madison campus)
Written comments must be submitted prior to Nov. 4, 2013, and should be sent to Andrea.DissTorrance@wisconsin.gov. For more information on the proposed rule change, contact Andrea Diss-Torrance at Andrea.DissTorrance@wisconsin.gov or 608-264-9247.