Iowa highlights firewood labeling requirements

CEDAR RAPIDS - Attempting to prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is calling attention to new labeling requirements for all packaged and bulk firewood sold in Iowa.

An infestation of Emerald Ash Borer was confirmed last year in Allamakee County in northeast Iowa. The infestation was found on an island in the Mississippi River two miles south of the Minnesota border.

After extensive surveys and inspections around the state, no additional Emerald Ash Borer infestations have been found.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said the new labeling requirements, which became effective Jan. 1, have been conveyed to wholesale and retail suppliers of firewood, but the department also felt it was important to inform consumers.

"Firewood has been the primary means of transporting this insect and starting new infestations, so this new rule is designed to address a key risk factor in Emerald Ash Borer spreading across the state,” Northey said.

Other pests also can be spread by firewood.