Banning all firewood from entering Shenandoah National Park is a great idea, and in this article it seems like they've mostly thought through the effects of this upcoming ban on their campers. My only concern is that they are encouraging people to either collect firewood within the park, or buy it from sanctioned vendors. That isn't likely to be a really popular request.
I think they'd get more compliance and better public opinion on this new policy if they had free or subsidized firewood available. Also, the removal of all downed wood in the areas around campsites that is fairly inevitable when you tell people to "collect firewood" isn't the greatest thing for forest floors- bugs, small mammals, and other native flora and fauna depend on downed wood for habitat. I'm all for local firewood, but chipmunks need somewhere to live, too.
But the overarching idea- that visitor firewood presents a clear and present threat to the ecosystem of this jewel of a National Park, is true. So while I am being a little picky here, I think this is a really smart move overall.
In essence- nice work Shenandoah National Park! The Don't Move Firewood campaign applauds your proactive and forward thinking ban on the out-of-park firewood threat.
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Not welcome in Shen. NP
Once again we are told that we are not welcome to come and enjoy OUR NP. The matter of no firewood bringing brought into the park is a gov. money making plan. Wood brought in the campground is burnt up in just a day or two. Most kept in the vehicle so it won't get stolen, because no one can find wood on the ground and can't afford a few sticks for a high price that lasts 30 min. My family has already stopped people cutting trees down for that reason. Have been told that no wood can be brought in BUT THE PARK is buying the wood at the very same place that WE have been bringing it from.We checked this out and was comfirmed by a NP Ranger. Wouldn't that be illegal for them as well. First they close picnic areas, close sections in campgrounds so they can turn people away and lose $$, and they wonder why people won't pay the high entrance fee so they can enjoy their inexpensive family vacations. What are we to do with our wood when traveling thru to the wonderfully friendly Blue Ridge Parkway? Leave it at the gate and have them take it down for us. People aren't at fault here, we are not building with wood, just burning it up in 2 days. They need to be reminded that it's the animals themselves that transport the bugs. This is a sham and shame on our gov. once again.
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