Firewood

[daplumbr]

Do not carry firewood. Just don't do it. Our forests are getting screwed up by invasive species and tree diseases and the primary mechanism of long-distance spread is transporting firewood. Emerald ash borer is spreading throughout eastern North America killing all ash in its path (one state park here in Michigan lost all the mature trees in the campground), Asian long-horn beetle is spreading and killing many species, our neighbor just had 2 beautiful big oaks die of oak wilt because he brought in a load of wilt-infected firewood for his wood stove, beech bark disease makes campgrounds dangerous by weakening trees, and the list goes on. If you want a fire and don't want to buy wood locally at the campground, go to a local lumber company and pick up a pile of junk 2X4 for discount. Cut them up and use those. Not as "romantic" as a log, but you'll save forests and campgrounds for both you and your kids. (And you'll stay legal; thankfully many states now restrict the movement of firewood). 

[dh50]

[p]"These pests and diseases sneak into the country on everything from horticultural (or plant) imports to the wooden pallets used to transport building supplies, electronic goods and toilet paper, among other products.  "Global trade has had tremendous benefits for Americans," said lead author Juliann Aukema from the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis in Santa Barbara. "Unfortunately, it also has resulted in the introduction of destructive insects and other organisms that threaten native ecosystems and the services they provide."  No section of the country is immune.[/p][p]
[/p][p]The Asian longhorned beetle, which came into the United States hidden in wooden packing pallets, has ravaged all sorts of trees in New York City and Chicago. So far, those communities have spent $220 million fighting the infestation.  "[em]Once here, these invasive species are virtually impossible to stop[/em]," Von Holle said.
Recommendations include better screening before letting items into the country. The department within the USDA that is in charge of screening at airports and ports is now part of Homeland Security."  "Ravenous Foreign Pests Threaten U.S. National Forests." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 7 December 2010. [/p][p]
[/p][p]To be overwhelmed by detail to the point where it obscures the true overall situation yields additional meaning to the old saying about "missing the forest for the trees".[/p][p]
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[fasteddieb]

As far as "junk 2x4" goes, I was under the impression that pressure treated wood is a no-no. Fumes from the formaldehyde or something.

Or is that just in fireplaces - I'd think the fumes might be something to avoid regardless.

[husaberger]

Junk 2x4  i.e.: regular 2x4 I assume he's saying. (non pressure treated)

[admin]

@fasteddieb I agree with @clyde. Standard indoor use lumber should be safe to burn. Anything that is treated should be avoided like pressure treated, or blue / pink boards. At least thats my rule of thumb.

[dh50]

[p]"These pests and diseases sneak into the country on everything from horticultural (or plant) imports to the wooden pallets used to transport building supplies, electronic goods and toilet paper"......[/p][p]
[/p][p]"The Asian longhorned beetle, which came into the United States hidden in wooden packing pallets," - ("Ravenous Foreign Pests Threaten U.S. National Forests." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 7 December 2010.) [/p][p]
[/p][p]Question: These wooden packing pallets sitting in and outside all retail outlets across the U.S., are they treated or untreated? 
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[admin]

In my experience the pallets are untreated lumber.

[fasteddieb]

Got it.

I'm usually buying 2x4's and other lumber for outdoor projects, so my mind jumped to pressure treated automatically.

Carry on!