Michigan will stop untreated firewood at its state line from 1 January 2027. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Invasive Species Program announced the quarantine this week under the state's Insect Pest and Plant Disease Act of 1931, saying moving firewood is one of the commonest ways invasive pests and diseases reach new areas.

Firewood that has been properly heat-treated and certified by MDARD, another state agriculture department or the US Department of Agriculture will still be allowed in. Kiln-dried lumber, wood pellets, wood chips no larger than one inch in two dimensions, and raw wood going directly to sawmills, pulp and paper mills, pellet plants, firewood kilns and similar processors are also exempt.

"Preventing the introduction of invasive pests is far more effective than trying to manage an established infestation," said MDARD director Tim Boring. The measure, he said, protects the state's forests, its agricultural resources and the communities and industries that depend on them.

The quarantine follows the launch of Michigan's voluntary Invasive-Free Firewood Certification Program, which lets in-state producers who heat-treat their wood put a "Certified Invasive-Free" seal on it. MDARD will enforce the new rule with the Department of Natural Resources, and all of 2027 will be focused on education and awareness rather than penalties.

Michigan joins Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin and other states that already admit only certified heat-treated firewood. Requirements differ from state to state, and travellers are advised to check FirewoodScout.org before carrying wood across a border. Michigan processors that source wood from outside the state have been asked to contact MDARD.

An information webinar on the quarantine, including treatment requirements and exemptions, will be held on 12 November and recorded for later viewing.

Source: Morning Ag Clips