Going camping? Maybe you have some wood already stacked in your backyard, but unless you’re going camping right down the street, don’t bring it with you. When you transport firewood, you also transport insects that may not be local to the area you’re traveling to.

In Michigan, an insect called the emerald ash borer has had a devastating effect on forests in outbreak areas. The state of Michigan has imposed a fine of $250,000 and one year in jail for anyone transporting wood from quarantined areas.

The emerald ash borer is not the only insect of concern, and the problem is not just limited to wood from Michigan. To read more about the risks of transporting firewood, go to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.

Go to EarthEasy for tips on building a safe campfire. Enjoy your S’mores!