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Contact: Eileen Andes, 701-623-4466
In aneffort to curb the spread of an insect, the Emerald Ash Borer, Theodore Roosevelt National Park has implemented firewood restrictions for thecampgrounds in the North and South Units. Firewood,regardless of the species, may only be brought into Theodore Roosevelt National Park or transported through the park if the tree from which it is derived originally stood within the state boundary of North Dakota.Firewood from other states is not permitted. "The Emerald Ash Borer is an insect that is spreading rapidly in the United States,"said Superintendent Valerie Naylor."Most of the trees in the woody draws in the park are green ash.The emerald ash borer is a huge threat to scenery and wildlife habitat, as it could kill thousands of ash trees should itreach the park in firewood." Theodore Roosevelt National Park considers firewood to be any wood cut, sold or intended for use as firewood, including chips, limbs, and branches with or without bark.Kiln-dried, finished and cut lumber or lumber scraps from which the bark has been removed during the millingprocess, like that purchased from a hardware store or discarded at constructionsites, is not considered firewood. This closure is intended to prevent or slow the introduction of exotic insects ordiseases into the park.The emerald ashborer has already killed tens of millions of trees in those states that havebeen infested. Other harmful insects can also be transported in firewood. Fire wood can be obtained from North Dakota sources or purchased locally near thepark.The park also allows dead and downwood to be collected within the campground areas in the North and South Units. Fire wood restrictions are necessary to protect the natural resources of the park.The National Park Service strongly discourages the movement of any firewood and encourages campers to burn woodwhere they buy it. Information is available on the park's website at www.nps.gov/thro. -NPS- |
Last updated: April 10, 2015