PIERRE, S.D. – With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) wants to remind park visitors about firewood restrictions in South Dakota state parks. The restrictions aim to slow the spread of emerald ash borer into the state parks.
•Do not bring out-of-state wood into South Dakota.
•Do not bring wood that has been within the quarantine area into any South Dakota state park unless it has a label affixed certifying it as emerald ash borer treated and safe to move.
•In parks located within the quarantine area, outside firewood must have a label affixed certifying it as emerald ash borer treated and safe to move.
•Firewood is available for purchase in the parks or from local stores outside the quarantine area.
•Smooth dimensional lumber scraps are acceptable if sized to fit within the firegrate. Wood containing nails, screws, or hardware – including rough and pallet lumber – cannot be brought into any state park area to be used as firewood.
•If you purchase firewood from a state park within the quarantine area, do not remove it from the park.
An infestation of emerald ash borer was confirmed in northern Sioux Falls in early May. While it is the first confirmed infestation in South Dakota, the invasive insect has killed tens of millions of ash trees in at least 32 states.
The quarantine area currently includes all of Minnehaha County, as well as portions of Turner and Lincoln counties. For more information about the quarantine and the emerald ash borer, visit http://emeraldashborerinsouthdakota.sd.gov.
