Maine bill would ban importation of firewood

[The Straight Story]

Maine bill would ban importation of firewood

Campers headed to Maine from other states wouldn't be allowed to bring their own firewood under a proposed law headed toward passage in the state Legislature.

Lawmakers want to protect Maine from destructive bugs that have wiped out huge swaths of trees in other states. The insects can enter the state through infested firewood.

Legislators and other state officials fear widespread infestations could harm production of lumber and maple sugar, affecting as many as 25,000 workers in Maine, while leaving ecological and visual scars on the woodlands of the nation's most heavily forested state. (AP)

They are particularly concerned about Asian longhorned beetles, which tunnel and lay eggs in maple and other hardwood trees, and emerald ash borers, which burrow into ash trees.

Rep. Jeff McCabe said his bill, which has received initial House and Senate approval, directs state forestry officials to draft rules that close Maine's border to firewood brought in by campers and sets up a mechanism to collect firewood brought into the state near the border. The law would likely cover commercial importation of firewood. It exempts wood that's kiln-dried, or treated to prevent pests.

http://www.boston.com/business/ticker/2010/03/maine_bill_woul.html

[tularetom]

1. While I understand and sympathize with the intent of this bill

IMO it is virtually unenforceable.

The cost of sniffing out and punishing firewood smugglers and determining if their firewood is legal will wind up costing as much as eradicating the beetles would.

[panader0]

2. Import firewood to Maine? But why? I live in Arizona, I'm sure

Maine has a lot more wood than we do here.
As far as the bugs go, I understand.
But it's like importing coke to Columbia.

[RaleighNCDUer]

3. Carrying firewood to Maine?

Isn't that kinda like carrying coal to Newcastle? Maine has NO shortage of firewood. Why would anybody bother with hauling firewood INTO Maine?