July 15, 2008
The Government of Canada has launched a “Don’t Move Firewood” campaign to limit the spread of invasive species by vacationing Canadians this summer.

The announcement was made by Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, on behalf of Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Most people don’t know that moving a simple piece of firewood could threaten and destroy thousands, even millions, of trees,” said Shipley. “We all have a responsibility to protect Canada’s beautiful forests, so the message is clear: buy wood locally, burn it on site and never bring it back home.”

One invasive species that has caused concern is the emerald ash borer. The federal government feels the ban on moving firewood is another tool to help stop its spread.