ALBANY – The State Department of Environmental Conservation has modified its regulation regarding the transport of firewood around the state.   The concern is the spread of the emerald ash borer, an insect which destroys ash trees and has been found in several parts of the state.

The basic rule stands prohibiting untreated firewood from entering the state and restricting intra-state movement of untreated firewood to no more than 50 miles from its source.

The updated definition of “firewood” specifically excludes logs being moved to manufacturing facilities for processing, such as to sawmills, pulp and paper mills, and biomass plants.

“Without the existence of this regulation, firewood infested with invasive insects such as emerald ash borer and Asian longhorn beetle could be transported throughout the state spreading infestations from one place to another,” said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. “To help reduce damage to New York’s forests and community trees, New Yorkers and visitors are urged to comply with the state’s regulations, which restrict the major vector for the introduction of these pests.”