If you will recall, just the other day we had some discussion about a new law in Minnesota that restricts the use of firewood in Minnesota parks and public lands. I had received an email from MDNR stating the new law would go into effect but there was no explanation as to the reason for such a law. To someone, like myself, who was unaware of problems with invasive pests that can destroy native vegetation, the press release sounded like an attempt by Minnesota government to control and monopolize the firewood industry in that state.
Readers responded almost immediately from several states explaining that more than likely the law was to help control the spread of these bugs into regions where they don’t belong.
With that, I sent an email to the MDNR asking one question and making a suggestion. The suggestion was for them to send out an information sheet explaining why the necessity for such a law and the question I asked was how does the state intend to enforce this new law?
Just this morning, I received a response from Ed Quinn who coordinates the natural & cultural resource management program for MN State Parks.
Mr. Remington,
Thanks for contacting us. I coordinate the natural & cultural resource management program for MN State Parks and was asked to respond to your questions. We agree that making sure that the public and visitors to MNDNR lands are aware of the new restrictions and the reasons for them are key to helping reduce the chances of harmful forest pests being introduced to MNDNR lands. Your suggestion of adding some explanation to the e-mail you received regarding firewood is a good one. We have posted information on the MNDNR website (click on the “leave firewood at home!” button on the home page) as well as all individual state park pages, our reservation company website, etc. News releases have been going out as well as posters, flyers, etc
Enforcement of the firewood restrictions will be phased in over time. This first year, the penalty is confiscation of the firewood. Beginning 5/1/08, the penalty becomes confiscation of the firewood and a $100 fine for visitors on state lands. For dealers, it is confiscation of the firewood and a $100 fine per sale of unapproved firewood that is to be used on DNR lands.
There are three types of firewood that the MNDNR Commissioner has approved for use on department lands.
1. Firewood purchased from the DNR
2. Firewood purchased from an approved vendor – these are folks that sell firewood which orignated in MN and is sold for use at at DNR units within 100 miles of the location where it was harvested OR it can be documented that it has been treated according to USDA specifications to be free of harmful pests. A proof of purchase must be provided to customers.
3. Kiln-dried, unpainted, unstained dimensional lumber free of nails, & other hardware.Visitors that have firewood on MNDNR lands will either have firewood they purchased from us, a proof of purchase from an approved vendor or kiln-dried dimensional lumber. Any other kind of firewood is not approved so visitors will be asked to surrender that wood if they wish to remain on MNDNR lands. Our experiences with visitors is that most are more than willing to comply if they know what the restrictions are and the reasoning behind them. Are there some people that will try to skirt the restrictions one way or another – sure, but in the end we expect that the vast majority of of visitors will obtain approved firewood for their trip to state parks or state forest campgrounds.
As I suspected, enforcement of this new law with be difficult and MDNR is hoping that through education the majority of people will do their part to prevent the spread of invasive bugs.
So, now that I have been educated, I will do my part and help spread the word not to bring your firewood from home or if traveling, don’t bring firewood from last night’s campsite to where you’ll stay today.
Thanks to Ed Quinn and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for replying to my email. That doesn’t always happen by the way.
Tom Remington
