Firewood Regulations Aimed At Stopping Ash Borer

In an attempt to curb the spread of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer, local, state and national parks departments are regulating what kind of firewood campers can use.The borer has spread to Jefferson County, Northern Kentucky and several nearby states. To prevent the insect from devastating ash trees in the Commonwealth, the Kentucky Department of Parks is blocking campers from bringing in firewood from other states or the counties where the borer has been spotted.Next year, all firewood brought into state parks will have to be USDA certified. Spokesperson Gil Lawson says it's a precaution many governments are taking."Both state governments and the federal government have been making rules like this as the insect has spread and similar bans are in effect elsewhere in the country," he says.No firewood can be brought into Jefferson Memorial Forest, either. Wood for campfires can be purchased on-site from Metro Parks.