To prevent the spread of harmful forest pests, the state of Illinois asks residents and visitors to abide by the following rules and recommendations when handling firewood:
- Buy local firewood for home heating and camping use
- Make sure your firewood clearly displays a certified, heat-treated label
Moving firewood out of several counties in Northern Illinois is against federal law 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.
The following additional firewood information applies to Illinois forests, parks, and protected areas:
- Shawnee National Forest asks campers to purchase firewood locally and NOT bring it from outside 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 states before taking firewood out of Illinois.
This summary is accurate to the best of DMF staff abilities as of 17 June 2021.
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
- Illinois Invasive Species, IL Department of Natural Resources
- 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
- Frequently Ask Questions on Emerald Ash Borer
- Emerald Ash Borer Info, IL Dept. of Agriculture
- European Spongy Moth Info
- European Spongy Moth North America Quarantine Map
- Brown marmorated Stinkbug new pest in Chicago
- Forest Pest Info
Firewood Business Related Information
- Illinois Firewood importer permit
- Illinois Summary of Plant Protection Regulation
- Illinois Forest Action Plan
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