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With camping season underway, the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources are reminding residents and visitors that invasive pests and diseases can hitchhike in untreated firewood, spreading easily from one location to another.

More than 140 pests and plant diseases can hitch a ride in untreated firewood, traveling hundreds of miles before emerging to wreak havoc on local ecosystems. Many of these harmful pests, including hemlock woolly adelgid, Asian longhorned beetle and oak wilt are difficult to see with the naked eye, making them easy to transport unintentionally. Once established, these pests are extremely difficult–and often impossible–to eliminate, leading to costly, long-term impacts on our environment, economy and agricultural industries.

Invasive species can:

– Threaten Michigan’s nearly $126 billion food and agriculture industry and $26 billion forest products industry.

– Kill native trees and plants and reduce biodiversity.

– Damage habitats critical for wildlife and recreational activities.

– Lead to quarantines or restrictions that affect local communities and businesses.

In addition to protecting Michigan’s natural resources from invasive pests, campers also should be mindful of general fire safety to reduce the risk of wildfires, especially during dry summer months and near heavily wooded areas.

Simple safety tips include:

– Keep fires small and manageable.

– Build fires away from trees and low-hanging branches.

– Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute.

– Always douse fires thoroughly with water, stir the ashes and douse again when finished.

MDARD and DNR are reinforcing this message through a statewide outreach campaign this summer, including billboard placements and other educational efforts to remind residents and visitors not to move firewood.