Michigan’s environmental agencies have long discouraged the transport of firewood across state lines.
But a policy proposed last week would make it officially illegal.
Violators of the proposed exterior firewood quarantine could face fines between one and ten thousand dollars.
The proposal comes as invasive insects like the Asian long horned beetle take hold in neighboring states.
The pests can travel long distances burrowed in firewood and threaten some of Michigan’s most highly valued timber species.
Mike Bryan drafted the proposal for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
He says so far, feedback on the potential ban has been positive.
“People say go for it, we want to protect our resources in Michigan.”
The firewood quarantine proposal is open to public comment until November 19th.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is expected to make its final decision after that.