Massachusetts prohibits the movement of firewood and other wood products in or out of any state campgrounds. (Firewood is available for purchase within the parks.) This is because invasive tree pests like the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle often spread to new areas via the movement of firewood.
Additionally, a large area around Worcester, Massachusetts is under federal quarantine for Asian longhorned beetle- this quarantine strictly prohibits the movement of firewood and all other woody plant materials out of the regulated area. Other invasive pests like spotted lanternfly have the potential to cause widespread damage to the state’s natural and agricultural resources. Due to the serious threat posed by these and other destructive tree pests, Massachusetts authorities strongly advise that you don’t move firewood.
Additional rules on the use or movement of firewood to different campgrounds throughout Massachusetts may vary. Many nearby states (e.g., CT, ME, NH, NY, VT) have legal restrictions on the movement of firewood into their states. To ensure you are in compliance with local firewood regulations, learn the rules at your destination prior to transporting firewood out of Massachusetts.
This summary is accurate to the best of DMF staff abilities as of 23 August 2023.
Massachusetts Web Resources:
- Massachusetts State Campground Firewood Regulations
- Asian Longhorned Beetle in Massachusetts, USDA APHIS
- Emerald Ash Borer in Massachusetts, Mass.gov
- Regional Map of Spotted Lanternfly updated monthly, Cornell University
- Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project
- Current Forest Health Threats in MA
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