Several harmful tree-pests are of great concern in Missouri including spongy moth, Asian longhorned beetle, spotted lanternfly, imported fire ant, pine shoot beetle, and thousand cankers disease – all these can spread to new areas when people transport firewood. To prevent the spread of these and other invasive forest pests, Missouri Department of Conservation strongly recommends not moving firewood more than 50 miles from where it was harvested. Furthermore, since Missouri is already infested with pests like the highly destructive emerald ash borer , many nearby states prohibit the entry of uncertified firewood from Missouri.
Campgrounds in Missouri often have additional restrictions on the use or movement of firewood; many of them have firewood available for purchase on-site. Be sure to check the rules at your destination before traveling with firewood. When in doubt, buy it where you burn it!
This summary is accurate to the best of DMF staff abilities as of 4 September 2023.
Missouri General Resources
- Missouri Dept. of Conservation Don’t Move Firewood Page
- Extension Tree Pests Page, University of Missouri
- Forest Pests and Diseases, MO Dept. of Agriculture
- Missouri State Parks Firewood Advisory
- MDC Urges Reducing Firewood Movement
Pest Specific Information
- Asian Longhorned Beetle, MO Dept. of Conservation
- Emerald Ash Borer Information, MO Dept. of Conservation
- Check Your Ash Trees for Emerald Ash Borer
- Thousand Cankers Disease, MO Dept. of Conservation
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