Firewood Ban

Visitors to Shenandoah National Park may not bring firewood or wood scraps. Visitors must gather or purchase firewood within the park.

 

Wood for campfires must be gathered or purchased within the park.

Why can't I bring my firewood into the park?
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a destructive invasive exotic beetle that feeds on ash trees. As of 2009, the EAB is responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of ash trees throughout the Midwest and in some eastern states. Foresters across the state are working to control the spread of this devastating insect through quarantines, bans, and public education. The EAB is often spread by the movement of infested firewood. The park's campgrounds and picnic areas are the most likely areas for EAB introduction into Shenandoah National Park. Because of the seriousness of a potential infestation, park managers implemented a firewood ban March 1, 2010.

What are the details of the ban?
The ban requires that visitors not bring any firewood (or wood scraps) into the park. Visitors may gather dead and down firewood in the park or purchase wood at park camp stores. The park's vendor's sources have been approved. As always, visitors are encouraged to use charcoal for their cooking fires.

 

The Emerald Ash Borer is responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of ash trees.

Why are we placing so much emphasis on preventing the EAB's introduction?

The Outside Firewood Ban will help delay the arrival of EAB - perhaps as much as 10 years and help preserve an ecologically important tree species. Slowing the spread of EAB will give researchers more time to discover effective control and refine treatment options. And, it will allow time for the park's forest to recover from the impacts of the Gypsy Moth and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.

For more information on the emerald ash borer, quarantine areas, and firewood movement restrictions, please visit:
www.emeraldashborer.info/
www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/eab/
www.dontmovefirewood.org