The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has implemented new restrictions on bringing firewood into state parks and recreation areas. State officials are worried about invasive species that can live in the wood.
For the past several seasons, the DNR has restricted firewood from entering state parks in certain counties. Now, because of threats from invasive species such as the Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Longhorn Beetle, Gypsy Moths and many others, firewood may not be brought into any state recreation area unless the bark has been removed.
Brown County State Park Property Manager Doug Baird says the new restrictions apply to all state parks, recreation areas, forests, reservoirs, and fish and wildlife areas.
“We realize that everybody who comes camping wants to have campfires,” he says. “We sure don’t want to discourage them from doing so, we just ask that they plan ahead and bring firewood that is complaint with DNR policy.”
Firewood purchased at a retail location such as a campground or convenient store can be brought in, as long as it is USDA approved.
The full details of the new regulations can be found on this DNR website.