The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) strongly advises that in general, no firewood be brought into Nebraska from other states to prevent the spread of harmful tree pests. Authorities in Nebraska have several recommendations for firewood users:
- Buy and burn your wood in the same county or region where it was cut
- Acquire firewood within 50 miles of your destination
- Leave firewood at home when you camp; buy or collect firewood on site when permitted
Nebraska regulates the entry of walnut firewood from out-of-state sources to prevent the introduction of thousand cankers disease. Additionally, many states regulate firewood movement to prevent the spread of tree pests like sudden oak death, spongy moth, and Asian longhorned beetle; this means that bringing any uncertified firewood into Nebraska is poses a risk to forest health – and may even be breaking the law depending on where it comes from.
The highly destructive emerald ash borer is present in some areas of Nebraska; those traveling from counties with known infestations should take extra care to prevent further spread of this destructive beetle by NOT moving firewood.
Ultimately, the best firewood options in Nebraska are to Buy It Where You Burn It or purchase firewood that is certified as heat-treated to kill any lingering pests.
This summary is accurate to the best of DMF staff abilities as of 23 July 2024.
Nebraska Web Resources:
- Nebraska Invasive Species Program: Don’t Move Firewood!
- Nebraska Camping Information (scroll down to Firewood Reminder)
- What’s in your firewood? University of Nebraska
- Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic, University of Nebraska
- Report a tree pest, NE Forest Service
Pest Specific Information
- Emerald Ash Borer Information, NE Department of Agriculture
- Prevent the Spread of Emerald Ash Borer, NE Department of Agriculture
- Walnut Wood and Thousand Cankers Disease
- Thousand Cankers Disease Quarantine Regulations, NE Department of Agriculture
- Spongy Moth Federal Quarantine Area, USDA APHIS
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