Emerald ash borer: campground firewood blitzes to be conducted in Ontario this summer
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will be monitoring the movement of firewood at provincial parks throughout Ontario this summer, as part of its effort to slow the spread of the emerald ash borer (EAB).
Federal regulations restrict the movement of wood from regulated areas in Ontario and Quebec, where the EAB has been confirmed. This includes firewood of all species as well the following ash materials:
- nursery stock
- trees
- logs
- lumber
- wood
- wood chips or bark chips
Movement of infested firewood is a significant concern during the camping season.
Beginning the May long weekend (May 22 to 24), CFIA inspectors will be conducting visits at parks in Ontario to verify that firewood has not been moved from regulated areas into provincial parks. Any person found in possession of firewood from a regulated area will have the wood confiscated and may be fined. The fines vary between $400.00 for private individuals and $4000.00 for commercial operators.
The emerald ash borer is a serious pest that threatens Canada's forests. The CFIA is working with its partners to control the spread of this destructive pest, but active public cooperation and participation are essential to the success of this campaign.
If you are going camping this summer, the CFIA would like to remind you to buy your firewood locally, burn it on site and never bring it back home.
