The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds visitors that only approved firewood is allowed on lands managed by the DNR, such as state parks, state forests and wildlife management areas. Firewood restrictions help prevent the introduction or spread of damaging forest pests, including emerald ash borer, gypsy moth and oak wilt. Firewood that can be used on state-managed lands must be offered for sale by the DNR at that location or: . Be acquired from a DNR-approved firewood vendor that sells firewood harvested within 50 miles from where burning occurs. . Be acquired from a DNR-approved firewood vendor certified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS). There will be a certification shield on the bundle label. . Be kiln-dried, clean (unpainted and unstained) dimensional lumber free of any metal or foreign substance. Pallet boards are not considered approved firewood because they may contain bark that can harbor forest pests.
There is one exception: Anyone camping on state forest land outside of a designated campground may gather dead wood on the ground for campfire use on site.
“Remember to keep your bundle label, purchase receipt or vendor ticket when purchasing firewood from a DNR-approved firewood vendor,” said Susan Burks, the DNR’s Forestry Division’s invasive species program coordinator. “You many need to show it to DNR staff or camp hosts where you are camping.”
The DNR encourages visitors to burn all firewood purchased from a park before leaving or to return unopened bundles for a refund. Leave any leftover firewood purchased outside the park with the camp host or at the campsite for the next camper. It’s important that visitors not take firewood home because it could move forest pests to a new location.
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