As the cooler fall weather beckons Texans outdoors for hunting and camping, a critical environmental concern arises— the spread of invasive pests and pathogens through the transportation of firewood. The Texas A&M Forest Service is urging the public to take proactive steps to prevent these invaders from causing further damage to our state’s forests.
In Texas, the transportation of firewood has emerged as a significant vector for deadly pests like the emerald ash borer (EAB) and diseases such as oak wilt. This year, EAB’s presence has expanded to 12 new counties, bringing the total to 27 affected counties across the state. This invasive pest alone has been responsible for the widespread death of ash trees across the eastern United States, and it continues to advance, largely due to human activities.
Demian Gomez, Regional Forest Health Coordinator at the Texas A&M Forest Service, emphasizes the severity of the issue. “Many tree-killing pests that are wreaking havoc in Texas forests live and breed inside transported firewood. By moving firewood, we risk introducing these pests to new areas, accelerating their spread and the ecological devastation that follows,” he explained.
The problem is exacerbated during popular travel seasons like hunting and camping, when Texans may unwittingly transport infested firewood across county or state lines. This firewood can appear healthy to the untrained eye, yet still harbor insect eggs or fungal spores capable of establishing new infestations.
The case of oak wilt, a disease affecting oak trees in Central Texas, highlights the rapid damage that can occur when infected wood is moved. Oak wilt spreads particularly fast among live oaks, which tend to grow in dense clusters, potentially devastating entire communities of trees.
The Texas A&M Forest Service advocates a simple yet effective solution: burn firewood where it was purchased or collected. This practice minimizes the risk of introducing pests and pathogens to new locations. By purchasing, collecting, and using firewood locally, Texans can enjoy their fireplaces and campfires without contributing to the spread of these destructive species.
The environmental and economic impact of forest pests and diseases is profound, affecting wildlife habitats, timber industries, and recreational spaces. It is a shared responsibility to ensure the health of Texas’s forests for future generations.
