New York prohibits the entry of out-of-state firewood of all types unless it has been certified, heat-treated to 71° C (160° F) for 75 minutes and is labeled as “New York Approved Heat-treated Firewood/Pest Free” with the producer’s name and address. Also, untreated firewood originating in New York may not be moved more than 50 miles within the state.
Any firewood in transport must be accompanied by source, origin, and/or heat-treatment documentation. A self-issued certificate of origin is required to accompany the transport of firewood cut for personal use. Firewood dealers must provide documentation to customers on the firewood’s source (here is an example).
The state of New York’s firewood regulations are in place to protect the forests from damaging tree pests such as the emerald ash borer, spongy moth, Asian longhorned beetle, spotted lanternfly, and others that often spread to new areas via the movement of untreated firewood. Many counties in bordering states are under quarantine for the spotted lanternfly which poses a severe threat to New York’s natural resources. The Asian longhorned beetle has established in certain areas of central Long Island, so it is illegal to move firewood out of or within infested areas.
Some campgrounds have their own firewood rules (e.g., outside firewood is not permitted in Gateway National Recreation Area). Be sure to ask about the firewood policies at your destination before bringing firewood; when in doubt, buy it where you burn it!
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.
This summary is accurate to the best of DMF staff abilities as of 29 August 2023.
New York Resources:
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) Firewood and Invasive Insects
- New York Invasive Species Regulations
- New York State Parks Camping Firewood Regulations
- Firewood & Invasive Species: NY State Firewood Transportation Laws summary info. from Adirondacks.net
- Self-Issued Certificate for Transport and Possession of Untreated Firewood
Pest Specific Resources:
- Asian longhorned beetle, NYDEC
- Asian longhorned beetle New York page, USDA APHIS
- Emerald ash borer, NYDEC
- Spotted lanternfly, NYDEC
- Spotted lanternfly quarantine and pest mitigation information, Cornell
- Spongy moth federal quarantine
- Oak Wilt, NYDEC
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