Minnesota has the following firewood regulations to protect the state’s natural resources and prevent the further spread of invasive forest pests like mountain pine beetle, emerald ash borer, and spongy moth:
- It is illegal to bring firewood in Minnesota from states infested with mountain pine beetle
- Firewood cannot be taken out of Lake and Cook counties due to a spongy moth interior quarantine
- Bringing in firewood from outside states as well as from some counties within Minnesota that are infested with emerald ash borer is against the law. Doing so is punishable up to a $7,500 fine per violation per day
Minnesota’s Department of Agriculture (MDA) and Department of Natural Resources reminds firewood users that:
- Firewood that looks normal could still be harboring invasive pests, so always avoid transporting it
- Buy MDA certified firewood- it has been heat-treated and is safe to move within the state
- You can report firewood violations to Minnesota’s Department of Agriculture
Chippewa and Superior National Forests prohibit any firewood that originates from outside the state of Minnesota and recommend acquiring firewood from nearby sources. Also, Minnesota State Parks only allow MDA certified firewood or firewood purchased at the park.
Bringing firewood from Canada into the USA is prohibited unless the firewood is labeled and certified heat-treated. Read about these requirements on the USDA and CBP firewood information sheet.
Bringing firewood from the USA into Canada is prohibited unless the firewood is labeled and certified heat-treated. Canada also encourages visitors to use local firewood.
Need to find local firewood in MN? Visit Firewood Scout
This summary is accurate to the best of DMF staff abilities as of 7 July 2021.
Minnesota Web Resources:
- Firewood Alert, Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources
- Firewood Information, Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture
- Play, Clean, Go (Invasive Species Education for Minnesota)
- Minnesota Forest Health
- Chippewa National Forest Firewood Closure
- Superior National Forest Firewood Restrictions
- Judge C.R. Magney State Park firewood recommendations (scroll down to firewood section)
- StarTribune Camping Advice – See “Remember Firewood Rules”
- Report a Plant Pest: 1-888-545-6684 or Arrest.the.Pest@state.mn.us
Pest Specific Information
- Emerald Ash Borer in Minnesota Map, Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture
- Emerald Ash Borer Information, Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources
- Spongy Moth in Minnesota, Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture
- European Spongy Moth North America Quarantine Map
- “Mountain (pine) beetle threatens Minnesota’s pine forests,” Minnesota National Public Radio, December 2014
Firewood Business Information
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