06-12-2007
Public Hearing Set for Firewood Dealer Certification Rule

MADISON-- Through an emergency rule prepared by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, firewood dealers can participate in a voluntary certification program that will enable them to sell their firewood to campers heading to state parks and state managed lands areas anywhere in Wisconsin.

In late 2006, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources enacted a new rule that prevents state park campers from bringing firewood from beyond 50 miles of a state park or managed land area unless the wood comes from a certified firewood dealer. Through an emergency rule, the state agriculture department has created a process to help firewood dealers meet this requirement.

"Firewood is a pathway for the spread of invasive insects like emerald ash borer and gypsy moth, explained Bob Dahl, plant protection section chief. "Working closely with the DNR, we created supporting rules to address the origins of firewood used on state land and to address the sellers of the firewood to ensure the wood won't be a carrier for invasive species or diseases," Dahl said.

Because the DNR rule is in effect, DATCP created an emergency rule until a permanent rule can be drafted. The emergency rule is in effect now.

A hearing for the emergency rule is scheduled for Tues., June 26 from 1-3 p.m. at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, 2811 Agriculture Dr., Room 106, Madison. A copy of the rule is available on the administrative rules web page then search on 'ATCP 21' or contact Bob Dahl at 608-224-4573. Those unable to attend the hearing can send written comments until July 9. Address comments to Bob Dahl, DATCP, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911.

Under this voluntary certification process, firewood dealers would complete an application form to receive an annual certificate. There is no charge for the certificate. The application process would require firewood dealers to indicate the treatment process they used to eliminate invasive insects and diseases in their firewood.

"The treatment processes include heat treatment or kiln-drying, debarking, fumigation, two or more years of storage or another manner approved by our department," Dahl said.

A firewood dealer is not required to be certified in order to sell firewood in the state. The certification is only needed for firewood to enter state parks or state managed lands beyond 50 miles of the dealer.

Because emergency rules take effect as soon as they are published, firewood dealers can begin applying for certification immediately. Firewood dealer certification applications are available by calling 608-224-4574.

Permanent rules on the certification program will be drafted this fall and the public will have another opportunity to comment on the program.

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