Write a commentSLELO PRISM and its partners are providing a series of resources, webinars, and guided hikes to highlight awareness and solutions to prevent the spread of invasive species throughout October, also known as Firewood Month.
Every year, invasive species like the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), invasive longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), and spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) hide within firewood for months, even surviving harsh winters. When firewood is moved from one location to another, these species often emerge and cause devastating damage to forests. Here are some helpful firewood tips community members can use to stop the spread of invasive species:
- Campers using firewood for the evening should buy or find it near their campground.
- Keep firewood as near as possible to where it was found (within 50 miles).
- If you do need to travel with firewood, make sure to buy firewood that is labeled as certified, heat-treated firewood.
In honor of Firewood Month 2024, the Don't Move Firewood (DMF) campaign is offering a series of educational webinars highlighting the importance of firewood regulations, outreach strategies, and forest health. These webinars, led by forestry experts, are designed to engage and inform the public about best practices for firewood use. For more details and to register, visit the Don't Move Firewood website.
DMFW Webinar Schedule:
- Thursday, October 10, 12 p.m. EST: Firewood Movement Regulation, Outreach, and Impact
- Monday, October 28, 1 p.m. EST: Meet the Don’t Move Firewood Team
- Wednesday, October 30, 1 p.m. EST: Updates and New Findings in Firewood Outreach
To further support forest health, SLELO PRISM is hosting a series of guided hikes throughout the rest of 2024 and 2025 to combat the spread of the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect that threatens hemlock trees- a vital tree species in the Tug Hill region and throughout New York State. Participants will learn to identify and report HWA infestations using the iMapInvasives mobile app, playing a crucial role in managing the spread of this insect. Visit sleloinvasives.org/events to register online, or contact the SLELO PRISM E/O Coordinator at 315-522-1258.
Hike Schedule:
- October 30 - Inman Glide Trail, Rodman, NY
- November 15 - Great Bear Rec. Trail, Fulton, NY
- December 5 - Salmon River Falls, Richland, NY
- January 17, 2025 - Trenton Greenbelt Trail, Holland Patent, NY
- February 14, 2025 - Forest Park, Camden, NY
Firewood safety and invasive species information is part of the SLELO PRISM ‘Pledge-to-Protect’ education initiative providing simple actions everyone can take to protect our lands and waters from invasive species. Sign up for the ‘Pledge-To-Protect’ online at iPledgeToProtect.org. At signup, select from five areas of action: Lands & Trails, Gardens, Forests, Waters and Community. Information is sent each month via email about a different activity to help protect your favorite outdoor spaces against the threat of invasive species.
