Moving uncertified firewood out of several counties in Northern Illinois is prohibited due to a spongy moth infestation and quarantine in those areas. Also, the Illinois Department of Agriculture bans walnut firewood from states with known infestations of thousand canker disease.
To prevent the spread of harmful forest pests, the state of Illinois strongly urges that firewood be produced, distributed, sold, and burned locally. It is also strongly recommended that campers burn all their firewood before leaving their campsite.
The following additional firewood information applies to Illinois forests, parks, and protected areas:
- Firewood is not permitted on DNR managed properties if it was obtained from greater than 50 miles from the site or if it is from out-of-state sources unless it is Illinois or USDA certified, heat-treated firewood.
- Shawnee National Forest asks campers to purchase firewood locally from within Southern Illinois.
- National and State Forest areas in Illinois often allow firewood gathering around the campground, however, a permit may be required. Ask forest staff for additional information.
- Cook County Forest Preserve offers the first bundle of firewood free of charge to encourage campers to use the local firewood.
Finally, many states have laws prohibiting the movement of firewood across their borders; see the firewood map for the rules in other areas before taking any firewood out of Illinois.
This summary is accurate to the best of DMF staff abilities as of 24 August 2022.
Illinois Web Resources:
- Firewood Rack Card: Protect Illinois Trees
- Firewood Full Page Flyer: Buy It Where You Burn It poster, Illinois version
- Firewood Regulations, IL Department of Agriculture (IDOA)
- Illinois Invasive Species, IL Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
- Firewood Hitchhikers, University of Illinois, Cooperative Extension Article, 2022
- Morton Arboretum Tree and Plant Care Resources
- Illinois Invasive Species Awareness month
- Illinois Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey page
Pest Specific Information
- Insect Pests, IDOA
- Frequently Ask Questions on Emerald Ash Borer, IDOA
- Emerald Ash Borer Info, IDOA
- European Spongy Moth North America Quarantine Map
- Forest Pest Info, IL DNR
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