Wisconsin firewood dealers are getting a chance to prove they're not spreading invasive species across the state. State Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Janet Jenkins says firewood dealers now have the option of getting certified, in order to prove they're taking steps to control invasive species. The voluntary program allows them to sell their firewood to campers heading to any state-managed facility in Wisconsin.
The certification is part of an emergency rule, which requires wood brought into state parks to have been bought within 50 miles of the facility. It's designed to prevent invasive species, such as the emerald ash borer , from entering the state on wood that may come from infected areas outside of the state.
Jenkins says going through the process just allows the wood they sell to enter state parks. It is not required for dealers to sell wood. However, she warns that firewood bought from a non-certified dealer and taken to a park more than 50 miles away may be confiscated by state officials.
DATCP plans to hold a public hearing on the certification process later this month.