July 2009

07/29/2009 1:02 PM
We are on the road!
Posted by: L. Greenwood
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Tags: Don't Move Firewood updates

There are now two Don't Move Firewood billboards in New York State! Yes, we are really excited. These billboards are the result of a partnership between the USDA-APHIS, The Nature Conservancy, and the crew at Don't Move Firewood.

 

07/22/2009 1:04 PM
Californians miss the mark
Posted by: L. Greenwood
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Tags: Awards and Recognition , Outbreaks, Pests in the News

The gold-spotted oak borer is a small beetle that kills healthy oak trees. Right now, in California, it is killing lots of oaks. There is nothing to suggest that the gold-spotted oak borer will disappear- so why, officials in San Diego county, are you telling people this confusing message:
 
"...and the public is urged not to transport firewood in and out of the county until more is known about the pest." (emphasis added)
 

07/22/2009 12:37 PM
Nice work, Canada
Posted by: L. Greenwood
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Tags: Pests in the News

Emerald ash borers are found in several parts of Canada, and they can spread just as easily among firewood toting Canadians as they do with firewood toting Americans.
 
A recent press release from the CFIA (like the USDA for the US) summed up the issue really well.
 
The pest does not move far on its own, even with an ability to fly, but it can spread quickly by the movement and transportation of infested ash products and firewood. Slowing the spread of infestation is considered the most effective way to deal with EAB.

07/16/2009 3:30 PM
New Hampshire bans starting
Posted by: L. Greenwood
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Strong words from the Forest Supervisor's office in New Hampshire today- closure of the White Mountain National Forest to any firewood not from NH or Maine. It is a big move by the forest supervisor, and it is my personal view that more actions like this should be taken. For fuill text and links to the actual order, visit here.
 

07/14/2009 3:41 PM
Catching up
Posted by: L. Greenwood
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Tags: Don't Move Firewood updates

Firewood bans, firewood quarantines, and firewood informational campaigns are popping up all over the place. I confess I fell badly behind with my blogging in the last few weeks, so instead of trying to cover all that ground, I'm gonna provide three highlights;
 
- Vermont is banning out of state firewood, and putting several other preventative measures in place. Nice work, Vermonters! For more info, read this article by the Burlington Free Press