Firewood restrictions

photo: Adult EAB bugWhy firewood restrictions?

In order to help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive pests such as emerald ash borer (EAB) into state lands, a statute was amended by Commissioner's order in March, 2011, banning all firewood in state-owned camping facilities unless approved by the DNR (M.S. 89.551, Sec. 2, Approved Firewood Required). In fact, not only EAB but many different forest pests and diseases can be accidentally transported in firewood.

In everyday language, it is now illegal to bring firewood into state parks, state forest campgrounds or day-use areas unless purchased from an approved vendor.

Approved firewood is:

  • Wood that was harvested in Minnesota.
  • Wood that was harvested not more than 50 miles from the state-administered lands where it will be burned.
  • Kiln-dried, unpainted, unstained dimensional lumber is also approved for use on state lands.

The Division of Forestry handles the approval process and maintains the DNR website database that lists the vendors. By June 2008, more than 500 vendors throughout Minnesota were approved.