Regulations on the Movement of Firewood
Why the movement of all hardwood firewood, and not just ash firewood, is regulated and what these regulations entail
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive species that feeds exclusively on ash trees, leading to the death of the tree. In 2012, this insect was detected in areas of New Haven County. Since then, the insect has continued to spread and is now known to be in approximately half the towns in Connecticut, and in all 8 counties. Unfortunately, research has shown that EAB is too well established in North America to be eradicated. However, there is good evidence that the rate of spread of new infestations can be significantly slowed when appropriate action is taken early. Connecticut DEEP is committed to doing what it can to slow the spread of EAB within the state and to help save the state’s ash tree population.
A major means by which EAB is spread is through the movement of infested ash firewood. State regulations now limit the movement of all hardwood firewood within Connecticut. The reason all hardwood firewood, and not just ash firewood, is regulated has to do with the difficulty many average users of firewood have in identifying ash wood within a firewood pile.
State regulations are limited as to what they can say about the interstate movement of firewood. Movement of hardwood firewood into and out of state is more generally governed by USDA APHIS - the federal agency charged with plant and animal health. APHIS's regulations are very similar, however, to the state's regulations in their specific requirements.
As part of the state regulations, when transporting firewood within Connecticut, the person moving the firewood must have in his or her possession a document stating the origin and destination of the firewood. This can be accomplished through the use of a Self-Issued Firewood Transportation Certificate. The requirement for some type of certification applies whenever firewood is being moved.
These regulations, both state and federal, are summarized in a series of maps regarding the movement of firewood.
DEEP is committed to educating the public regarding these regulations and the quarantine. Questions may be submitted to the DEEP Division of Forestry at (860) 424-3630 or deep.forestry@ct.gov. Additional information is available through the DEEP EAB website. Also, visit the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station website or contact them at 203-974-8474 or CAES.StateEntomologist@ct.gov.
Additional References
USDA Forest Service:
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Firewood Information:
APHIS Firewood Pathway Assessment
National Firewood Taskforce Recommendations
Self -Issued Firewood Transportation Certificate: On-line Form | Word Form | PDF
Content last reviewed February 2020