July was rough for Tennessee. Emerald ash borer (EAB) was discovered near a truck stop off I-40, which was the first time EAB has been found in the state. And Thousand cankers disease (TCD), a particularly worrisome beetle/fungus combination tree affliction that kills walnut trees, was discovered in a large and well established infestation in East Tennessee. This is a death sentence for walnut trees all over the region, and a huge disappointment for everyone that thought that TCD still had not gotten East of Colorado.

I got another great question from our Contact Us form last week, and wanted to share it. This question is from Daniel.

Dear Don't Move Firewood,

Due to the high price of firewood at or near our campgrounds, I usually cut up pallets and pallet tops to use as firewood while camping. Is this OK since it has been kiln dried? Thanks!

Dear Daniel-

The Asian longhorned beetle has been compared to Darth Vader more than once, and with some good reasons. In a recent article in the MetroWest Daily News out of Framingham MA, they said the ALB is, "Nicknamed the "Darth Vader" bug because of its shiny, black shell and ominous presence, the invasive species has no natural predators..."

Wondering how an Asian longhorned beetle might wind up on the grounds of a hospital in the middle of Boston? Clint McFarland from the USDA has a good theory... "The beetles likely were brought in by someone visiting Faulkner Hospital with firewood or brush..."

Yup. Firewood.

See the whole article here; Officials say to expect more beetle sightings in the July 8th Boston Herald

Boston's first Asian longhorned beetle infestation was found in Jamaica Plain over the 4th of July long weekend. Six trees were confirmed infested, and those trees have already been removed to kill the beetles within them. More trees may be found- but it is too early to say. We'll keep this blog updated as things progress. In the mean time...

What can you do to help?

- Tell everyone you know not to move firewood. Send them to us, here, at DontMoveFirewood.org

A new infestation of Asian longhorned beetle was found over the 4th of July weekend in Jamaica Plain- one of the towns in Greater Boston. The six confirmed infested trees were found on the grounds of Faulker Hospital, which is across the street from the Arnold Arboretum.

The EAB is moving, and it now is found in a huge block of states throughout the midwest and mid-atlantic states. Today I read a great blog post about the newest county in PA to have EAB discovered in it- and they are right on the money.

The Don't Move Firewood blog has dormant lately for technical reasons, but we are back! While we were away, a friend sent me this on email. For background, this friend lives in the Kalispell area, in Montana, which is near Glacier National Park.

One more big reason to buy firewood locally: Thousand cankers disease – a fungus spread by the walnut twig beetle.

So far this disease—of the ‘death by a thousand cuts’ variety—has only been found in black walnut trees in the western part of the US.

Threatening both forest health and delicious taco toppings, the Redbay ambrosia beetle spread laurel wilt disease. Why should you care? Well, laurel wilt disease affects avocado trees, and unfortunately, the movement of firewood could soon bring this disease into North America's prime avocado growing areas.