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Don't move firewood

A graphic of a nighttime camp scene with two people around a campfire, two tents, and dark woods in the background.

Don't move firewood

Michigan Firewood Quarantine Beginning January 1, 2027, it no longer will be permissible for anyone to bring untreated firewood into Michigan. Under the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s firewood quarantine, only firewood that has been heat-treated and certified will be permitted to enter Michigan.  Read Michigan's Firewood Quarantine
  • An infographic showing two campers at night by a campfire, with two tents in the background. Caption reads, "The bugs were coming from INSIDE the untreated firewood."

    Did you know that the forests you love are in danger? All because of invasive insects and diseases that hitch a ride on firewood. Spooky, right?

    The facts: Invasive insects and diseases have killed millions of trees in Michigan – often after hitching a ride on firewood. Moving firewood, even a short distance, is a common way for these invasive species to infest new locations. Examples of invasive tree killers include oak wilt, emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle, among many others.

Tried and true solutions

To prevent the spread of any invasive species that might be lurking in your logs.
  • Michigan certified invasive free firewood icon.

    1. Buy certified, heat-treated firewood.

    Certified wood comes with a government stamp or seal that proves it’s safe to move long distances. Since it’s been treated, you don’t have to worry about invasive species hitching a ride. 

    2. Collect or purchase firewood at your destination.

    Firewood should never be moved more than 10 miles from where it was originally cut – unless it’s been heat-treated!

Find certified firewood

How do you know the firewood you purchase is certified heat-treated and invasive-free?

  • Bundles of certified heat treated firewood outside a convenience store.
    Certified invasive-free firewood is packaged and labeled with the producer's information and. . .
  • The USDA firewood certification shield, including the USDA-APHIS-PPQ address and firewood certification information.
    The USDA certification shield is on the label, or . . .
  • Michigan certified invasive-free firewood logo.
    Coming soon! Look for the "Michigan Certified Invasive Free" logo on the label.

Firewood laws and quarantines

  • Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, a quarantine will regulate the movement of firewood into the state of Michigan. Read the Michigan Firewood Quarantine.
  • Outside firewood is not permitted in some national parks, forests and lakeshores in Michigan. Know the rules before you visit.
  • If you are camping or using a short-term rental, check with the host before bringing or purchasing firewood.
  • To protect against the introduction or spread of invasive forest pests, choose firewood that is certified as heat treated or purchase firewood in Michigan within 10 miles of where you will be using it. Find firewood in Michigan at FirewoodScout.org.
Questions about Michigan's firewood quarantine?

Beginning January 1, 2027, it no longer will  be permissible for anyone to bring untreated firewood into Michigan. Under the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s firewood quarantine, only firewood that has been heat-treated and certified will be permitted to enter Michigan.

How will the quarantine impact travelers, campers and firewood producers?

MDARD has provided answers to frequently asked questions to help these groups and others understand the new quarantine and its requirements.

 

Read the Firewood Quarantine FAQs

Firewood checklist

  • An infographic showing a bundle of firewood with a certification sticker. Text reads: Avoid the horror. Buy certified firewood. DontMoveFirewood.org.
    • Leave firewood at home.
    • Buy firewood at your destination. At most campgrounds, it is available on the premises or from nearby vendors who sell certified firewood. 
    • Purchasing certified firewood is the best choice. It has been heat-treated to state or USDA standards and will bear a USDA or state-based certification stamp with the producer’s name and address.
    • If certified firewood is not available, purchase your firewood as close as possible to where you will burn it.
    • If you buy firewood and don’t burn it all, don’t take it home with you or to your next destination.
     

Are you a firewood producer?