Ash trees in Michigan are currently under attack by the Emerald Ash Borer, which could remove this tree from our forests.  One infestation is as close as 2.5 miles away in Benzie County.  The state has quarantined that area, as well as others, to help prevent the spread of this insect.  It is illegal to transport wood from quarantined areas, and the Lakeshore is going one step further by prohibiting ANY ash firewood in the Park.

If you have brought firewood to the park, please do the following to prevent the spread of forest pests:

• Should ash firewood be brought to the Lakeshore, it must be immediately burned on site.
• Do NOT unload the firewood onto the ground at your campsite.
• Place the wood directly from your vehicle into the fire so that any insects cannot spread along the ground.
• Do not brush sawdust and pieces of bark to the ground, but carefully place them in the fire.  These pieces can harbor invading insects.
• Burn your wood completely.
• Do not leave unburned firewood at your campsite or beach fire site.
• Ask a ranger or campground host to help you identify ash firewood if you are unsure.

Firewood can be collected from dead and down trees in the park, and is also available for purchase from the firewood concessions at Platte River and D.H. Day Campgrounds.  The forests of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are currently free of the Emerald Ash Borer, and we would like to keep them that way!

This photo shows typical damage done to the wood of an ash tree by the emerald ash borer.