Campfires have always been a major staple in campgrounds—sitting around the fire on a starlit night, telling stories, and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows.
But the practice of hauling firewood from one part of the state to another is devastating to Michigan’s native trees. Transporting firewood also transports insects and diseases.
The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive insect that has killed more than 30 million ash trees in Michigan, and is perhaps the most prominent threat to our state’s forests, but it is not alone. Beech bark disease, Dutch elm disease and gypsy moths are the top threats in a growing list of firewood hitchhikers.
Please consider some simple precautions to ensure the future of your favorite recreation destination:
Don’t bring firewood with you when you camp. If you find or buy wood in the park, don’t take any back home with you. Burn it all or give it to other campers in the park.
Most parks sell firewood in small, manageable bundles. If not, you can usually find firewood for sale in nearby areas.
Pair up with your fellow campers at a communal fire circle to share the warmth of a crackling wood fire and make some new friends.
Protecting Michigan’s forests doesn’t mean that campfires are a thing of the past. Taking extra steps to enjoy the firelight will protect Michigan’s forests today and in the future. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/eab or call 866.325.0023.
Select from the various articles below to learn more about the camping and recreation vehicle lifestyle.
Campfires have always been a major staple in campgrounds—sitting around the fire on a starlit night, telling stories, and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows.
