Wyoming’s State Forestry Division strongly advises to always get firewood as close to your destination as possible to prevent the introduction and spread of tree-killing pests in the state. Mountain pine beetle and spruce beetle are two of the most damaging insects in Wyoming’s forests, and they can spread to new areas on firewood. Since the early 1990s, these native beetles have caused tree mortality over millions of acres of federal, state, and private forests in Wyoming. Emerald ash borer is another pest of primary concern in Wyoming, and firewood should not be brought from out-of-state since it could introduce this highly destructive and invasive insect. Also, many visitors who come to Wyoming live in areas under quarantine for pests like spongy moth and Asian longhorned beetle; it is illegal to move uncertified firewood into Wyoming from areas infested with these pests.
Bridger-Teton National Forest encourages the use of certified heat-treated or local firewood in order to protect Wyoming from these and other harmful tree pests. Firewood is often available at the campgrounds of Grand Teton National Park. Also, local vendors sell firewood near the campgrounds of Yellowstone National Park.
This summary is accurate to the best of DMF staff abilities as of 29 July 2024.
Wyoming Web Resources:
- Firewood Information Site, WY State Forestry Division
- Forest Health Management, WY State Forestry Division
- Watch Your Ash, Emerald Ash Borer Could Sneak into Wyoming
- Emerald Ash Borer Response Plan
- Spongy Moth Quarantine Map USDA APHIS
- Spruce Beetle And Western Spruce Budworm Most Damaging Rocky Mountain Pests, WY Public Radio, 2021
- Pest Identification, University of Wyoming
- Wyoming State Forestry Division Facebook Page
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