PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) is celebrating Firewood Awareness Month in the month of October.
South Dakota residents should be aware of the quarantine rules of neighboring states. In Minnesota, 15 counties currently have state and federal quarantines that restrict the movement of hardwood firewood out of those counties. All counties in Iowa are covered by a state and federal quarantine that restricts the movement of firewood. Firewood originating from these areas should be accompanied by a certificate or a symbol on the label that indicates it meets all requirements. The SDDA recommends buying firewood locally, buying certified heat-treated firewood, or gathering on site when permitted.
“Moving firewood long distances can spread forest pests, such as the emerald ash borer,” said SDDA agricultural program specialist Dale Anderson. “This time of the year, while many South Dakotans are stock piling firewood for home heating and camping trips, they must be careful because many insects and diseases can be transported by firewood.”
Anderson also reminds those who manage a campground or otherwise host out-of-state visitors that may use a campfire to have a discussion about the source of firewood with guests and post informational signs around the facility. If visitors leave unused firewood behind, it should be burned as soon as feasible.
“Everyone’s choices matter. You can protect the places you love by preventing the spread of forest pests on firewood,” states Anderson. Please find additional information on firewood at www.dontmovefirewood.org or www.sdda.sd.gov.
Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit SDDA online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
— South Dakota Department of Agriculture
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