EMPIRE (AP) -- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has announced a revision of its campground firewood policy to prevent and slow the spread of forest pests and diseases.
Under the changes, campers may use only firewood acquired from vendors approved by the National Lakeshore.
Firewood sold by the vendors will be marked as such and will have been either treated for pests and disease or be of a tree species that doesn't pose the risk of their importation or spread.
Movement of firewood from one area to another can rapidly spread destructive pests such as beech bark disease and oak wilt, just as it did the emerald ash borer.
A list of approved vendors will be available at the National Lakeshore's visitor center, campground offices and on the park website.
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