Campgrounds and Firewood
Ever wonder why some campgrounds block the transport of firewood into their park?
Ever wonder why its only “some” parks that do?
Here at Triple R, as of now, you can still bring in firewood so long as you follow the rules and regulations of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The DEC has been tasked with trying to keep the loss of woodlands to a minimum. The DEC is a necessary regulatory division of government. From protecting wildlife from thugs that poach, to trying to keep our waterways and land and air free from unnecessary pollution, they are absolutely necessary. You can learn more about this very topic and the regulations regarding the laws of transporting firewood on the DEC website.
So yes, that's a little plug for the DEC there. But lets see how firewood contaminated with invasive species can devastate a campground. Recently someone went online and gave Triple R a negative review saying there were no trees at Triple R. I’m not quite sure this was a customer of Tripe R seeing there are trees just about everywhere. But if you take the positive side from this customer, he likes trees, wooded lots, which does bring in more wildlife. We take it as a positive that this customer like the trees and natural habitat.
In the last 10 years a beetle known as the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has swept through the North East part of the US. This specific bug for some reason is very selective on eating these Ash trees. But was very effective in migrating from area to area due to the transporting of a common wood such as the Ash. One of the most popular species of trees in the North East I might add. Once the bark has been compromised, the bugs then feast on the tree itself, weakening and eventually destroying the tree until its dead. This has cost many campgrounds significant amounts of money trying to treat the trees so the EAB will die and not spread. However, usually this is a losing battle. Huge geographical areas of Ash trees have been killed since.
Now there is a new fear. Though this bug was found in the States before the Ash Bore Beetle, its has now been feared as the next issue if found in our area. Its called the Asian long Horned Beatle. Unlike the EAB this beetle kills a variety of trees. Not just one species. See the graphic below. This bug has been found in North Eastern New Jersey. Its coming into the country through our ports of entry. Its not native to the US or Canada.
So this is where the conversation turns back to firewood. The DEC has regulations limiting the distance firewood can be transported. Imagine NOT KNOWING you transported one of these bugs to your favorite campground. Imagine it wiping out all of the trees at your favorite campground. I know at Triple R it would take years to remove, clean up, and replant new trees. Then it would take an entire lifetime to get these trees to look like it does today. I couldn’t imagine it. The cost, and what it would do to the campground.
Here at Triple R we don’t like to rule with an iron first. Its camping for God sake. Its supposed to be simple. However many campgrounds do not allow you to bring in firewood. Sure, the campground makes more money that way selling firewood. Lets be honest. But the REAL reason might be their fear of their trees being wiped out. I know many campground owners have said, if this Asian beetle is found in NY, they will stop the transport of all firewood into their parks. We tend to agree. It’s not worth loosing all your trees. But lets just be vigilant and keep it from spreading in the first place.
For now, its business as usual at Triple R.
So please, please, please, make sure you are following the regulation set forth by the DEC when your camping anywhere, not just at Triple R. They have figured out a way to slow down progression of invasive species. Lets all do our part and try to keep these bugs from ruining your favorite campgrounds.
When you are camping at your favorite campground, PLEASE keep an eye out for the Asian Longhorned Beetle. See the picture of it attached. If you find one, please catch it and bring it to the office at your campground and insist that management contact the DEC. Some owners may not even know about the bug. Education is the key to stopping this from happening. Thank you for your help and cooperation in stopping this invasive bug.
