Trees in New Jersey are killed by invasive forest pests like the spongy moth, emerald ash borer, and spotted lanternfly, all of which can spread to new areas via the movement of firewood. To prevent further damage, state authorities in New Jersey ask that you use locally sourced firewood that was cut within 50 miles of where you burn it. Additionally, New Jersey and many counties in nearby states are regulated for the spotted lanternfly pest; the New Jersey spotted lanternfly quarantine prohibits the movement of firewood without thoroughly checking to ensure the wood is not contaminated with any life stage of the insect – including its camouflaged eggs!
Further restrictions on firewood in New Jersey vary across land, park, and campground authorities. Many areas under federal and private management prohibit the use of firewood from out-of-state or from non-local sources. On state lands, New Jersey’s Division of Parks and Forestry encourages recreationists to buy firewood at the state park or forest where you intend to stay. Several nearby states will not permit the entry of firewood from New Jersey unless it has been certified, heat-treated to kill any potential pests. Be sure to find out the firewood rules in your area and destination before transporting firewood.
This summary is accurate to the best of DMF staff abilities as of 16 August 2023.
New Jersey Web Resources:
- Jersey Grown Firewood, New Jersey Dept. of Agriculture
- Spotted Lanternfly Information and Resources, NJ Dept. of Agriculture
- Emerald Ash Borer Information, NJ Dept. of Agriculture
- Information on Federal Quarantine of Spongy Moth, USDA APHIS
- National Information on Asian Longhorned beetle, USDA APHIS
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