09-27-2007
Public Hearings Set for Firewood Dealer Certification Rule
Contact: Jane Larson
608-224-5005
MADISON--Two public hearings are scheduled so firewood dealers can comment on a proposed rule that would enable them to become certified so their wood can be sold to campers heading to Wisconsin state parks.
A voluntary firewood certification program was created earlier this year under an emergency rule prepared by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The state agriculture department is now creating a permanent rule that will ensure firewood used on state land won't be a carrier for invasive insects or disease.
In late 2006, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources required state park campers to use firewood from within 50 miles of a state park unless the wood came from a DATCP-certified firewood dealer. In turn, the state agriculture department created the voluntary certification process for firewood dealers through a supporting emergency rule.
"Firewood is a pathway for invasive insects like emerald ash borer and gypsy moth to spread quickly and easily," said Bob Dahl, plant protection section chief. "The emergency rule addressed the origins of firewood and ensures the wood won't be a carrier of damagin or harmful insects and diseases. However, the emergency rule has a limited lifespan so we need to make it permanent," Dahl said.
Here is the hearing schedule:
- Wausau Tuesday, Oct. 16, 1-3 p.m., Department of Natural Resources Service Center, 4301 Rib Mountain Road.
- Madison Thursday, Oct. 18, 1-3 p.m., Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Board Room (Room 106), 2811 Agriculture Drive.
Under this proposed rule for voluntary certification, firewood dealers would complete an application form to receive an annual certificate which will cost $50.00. Under the emergency rule, there was no charge. 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, 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 that originates more than 50 miles from a state park.
A copy of the rule is available at the administrative rules home page then search on 'ATCP 21' or call Bob Dahl at (608)224-4573. Those unable to attend the hearing can send written comments until Nov. 2. Address comments to Bob Dahl, DATCP, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911.
Under the emergency rule created earlier this year, two firewood dealers became certified.
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