Tell your colleagues, tell your friends – let’s talk firewood!
Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at 2pm EST
Beyond Wooden Thinking: Getting to the Heartwood of the Matter
Recreational firewood movement is a major pathway for the spread of invasive forest pests. Both human behavior and firewood characteristics can influence pest transport. Dr. Riggins will discuss the new study titled “Burning questions: how human behaviors and firewood characteristics influence the transport of wood-boring insects” whereby campers were surveyed at MS state parks and firewood was collected for inspection.
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Presentation by: John Riggins, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in Forest Health at Oregon State University
Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 at 4pm EST
Wildfire Fuel: How Destructive Forest Pests Travel in Firewood
This presentation will explore the significant threat that invasive forest pests, specifically the Goldspotted Oak Borer (Agrilus auroguttatus or GSOB), pose to forest health in Southern California. We will discuss the devastating impact of GSOB on native oak populations, how its infestation increases wildfire risk, and how the pest’s spread is accelerated by the unregulated movement of firewood. Drawing from the work of the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians, this talk will cover current management strategies by addressing the need for heat treatment standards, industry collaboration, and effective regulations. Ultimately, it will emphasize the crucial role the public plays in protecting our shared natural and cultural resources.
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Presentation by: Joelene Tamm, Natural Resources Director for the LA Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 at 1pm EST
Updates on Emerald Ash Borer in the PNW
Hear from invasive species experts and managers out of both Oregon and Washington as they discuss the most recent findings and management efforts regarding the notorious firewood hitchhiker, emerald ash borer, in the Pacific Northwest.
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Presentation by: Wyatt Williams and other staff from the Oregon Department of Forestry as well as staff from the Washington Invasive Species Council