Forest pests impact wildlife habitat
Forests pests such as beetles, fungi, and pathogens threaten millions of trees in the United States. Most of these pests originally arrived from foreign countries on commercial vessels carrying wooden pallets and crates containing the invasive pests. Humans have further spread them by moving firewood around the country. This can start new infestations hundreds of miles from the site of origin and destroy entire populations of trees.
Top concerns:
 | Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) The emerald ash borer is an exotic beetle that originates from Asia and devastates ash trees in the genus Fraxinus. It was first discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002, and has since spread to many other states, including Colorado. The emerald ash borer was discovered in Boulder, Colorado in September 2013. Learn more . |
| Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar)
The gypsy moth was accidentally introduced to Massachusetts in 1869. By 1902 it was widespread in the New England states, eastern New York, and regions of New Jersey. The egg masses are deposited by females in July and overwinter on trees, stones, and other substrates. Learn more.
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 | Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica)
The Japanese beetle is a pest to hundreds of plant species and is known to be one of the worst pests known to eastern and Midwestern United States. It generally attacks in aggregate, devastating ornamental plants. Learn more.
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Help stop these invasive species!
CPW has partnered with Colorado Department of Agriculture's Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS), the National Park Service, Colorado State University Extension, Colorado State Forest Service, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Survey (APHIS), the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management on a campaign to help raise awareness to buy and use local firewood to prevent the spread of forest pests.
Don't Move Firewood! It is recommended that people use firewood from Colorado whenever possible. In addition, when camping, people should try to buy firewood near their destination campground, to help prevent transporting pests elsewhere.
Find local firewood dealers on the Colorado State Forest Service COWood website.
For additional information on firewood and the potential for spreading harmful exotic and native pests, we recommend the following websites:
