The state of Kentucky strongly advises residents and visitors purchase local or certified, heat-treated firewood to avoid moving forest pests. Some examples of forest pests that have destroyed trees in Kentucky or surrounding areas are the emerald ash borer, spongy moth, spotted lanternfly, Asian longhorned beetle, and laurel wilt disease.
Campgrounds in parks and protected areas within Kentucky (KY) have strict rules to control the spread of invasive pests that are known to hide in firewood. For example:
- Kentucky State Park policy prohibits out-of-state firewood unless it is bundled certified heat-treated. Visitors will need to show the receipt for firewood bought within KY.
- Kentucky’s National Parks (Cumberland Gap National Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, and Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area) prohibit most or all outside firewood. Gathering firewood may be permitted in some campgrounds- call ahead to learn what is allowed at your destination.
Many surrounding states have regulations that affect the legality of taking firewood out of Kentucky. Check out the Firewood Map to learn the firewood rules in your area and destination; to be safe, buy firewood where you will burn it.
Find a local firewood seller in Kentucky by using FirewoodScout.org.
This summary is accurate to the best of DMF staff abilities as of 28 July 2022.
Statewide and Site Based Resources for Kentucky
- Kentucky State Parks Firewood Policy
- Invasives and Pests of Concern in Kentucky, Office of the State Entomologist
- US Forest Service Southern Region Firewood Information
- Firewood Scout
- Hungry Pests, Kentucky Page
- Non-native Pests list, University of Kentucky
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area Firewood Quarantine
- Cumberland Gap National Park Firewood information
- Mammoth Cave National Park Firewood information
Pest Related Information
- Kentucky Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey group
- Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab, University of Kentucky
- Emerald Ash Borer page, University of Kentucky
- European Spongy Moth North American Quarantine Map
- Emerald ash borer is causing havoc in Kentucky March, 2021
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