When you’re planning to camp in the Smoky Mountains, we’re sure that you want to have a campfire under the stars at night! After all, this is the quintessential camping experience and there is nothing like making s’mores and relaxing around the warmth of the fire with your family and friends! Before you pick up a bundle of wood for that campfire, keep in mind that there are some important firewood restrictions in place to protect the ecosystem! Here are the top things to know about the firewood policies at Smoky Mountains National Park:
Types of Permitted Firewood
Forests nationwide are being devastated by tree-killing insects and diseases that hitch a ride on firewood, and these pests are a growing threat to Smoky Mountains National Park. As a result, the National Park Service is requiring that campers use heat-treated firewood that is bundled and displays a seal issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture. However, campers can still use downed wood that has been collected inside the park for campfires.
About Heat-Treated Firewood & Where to Purchase
Certified heat-treated firewood is a high-quality hardwood product that kills insects and pathogens that may be in the wood. The great news is that it lights easily, burns very well for campfires, and is perfectly safe to cook over! The certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal, and it is packaged in bundles that are typically larger than non-heat-treated bundles. You’ll find it for sale from concessioners at Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Elkmont during their operating season, as well as at businesses in Gatlinburg and other local communities.
Bringing Wood From Home Prohibited
Unfortunately, many areas near Smoky Mountains National Park already have infestations of invasive forest pests. Since bringing local wood from home may transport pests to new locations in the park, including your favorite campgrounds, it is strictly prohibited. This holds true even if you live close to the park. While the pests may eventually get within the park boundaries on their own, the firewood restrictions help slow or stop the movement of foreign pests. This allows time to develop and implement treatment strategies that may control the impacts of these non-native pests and diseases.
Types of Pests That Live in Firewood
There are a number of pests that live in or on firewood, while others produce fungal spores that can be transported on the wood. The movement of firewood has been implicated in the spread of gypsy moth, Dutch elm disease, emerald ash borer, thousand cankers, disease of walnut, Asian longhorned beetle, Sirex wood wasp, gold spotted oak borer, and other insects and diseases. The three that are most concerning to the park’s ecosystem are the thousand cankers disease, emerald ash borer, and Asian longhorned beetle.
Now that you’re familiar with the firewood policies at Smoky Mountains National Park, you’re all set for the perfect camping experience at one of the park’s beautiful campgrounds! Learn the top 5 reasons why you’ll love camping in the Smoky Mountains!
