MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ board has approved tighter firewood movement restrictions to slow the emerald ash borer’s spread.
The DNR in 2006 prohibited out-of-state firewood on state properties. The following year it prohibited people from bringing firewood onto state lands from further than 50 miles out. In 2010 the agency shrunk that radius to 25 miles.
The agency asked the Natural Resources Board to reduce the radius to 10 miles and allow out-of-state firewood if it came from within 10 miles. DNR officials say they want to make the change because emerald ash borer infestations are rising around the state and models show the tighter perimeter can significantly slow the beetle’s spread.
The Natural Resources Board approved the new perimeter on a 5-2 vote Wednesday.
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