Michigan bans untreated firewood from out-of-state starting 2027 to curb invasive pests

Starting Jan 1 2027, Michigan will enforce a quarantine that forbids the entry of untreated firewood from outside the state, a move announced by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development together with the Michigan Invasive Species Program. The regulation covers all persons crossing state borders, including campers, travelers and commercial operators, but permits firewood that has undergone approved heat treatment—reaching at least 140 °F for a continuous 60 minutes and certified by MDARD, another state’s agriculture department, or the US Department of Agriculture.

The first year will emphasize education; from Jan 1 2028, violators will receive warning letters and repeat offenders may be fined $1,000 to $10,000, while those who report violations could be fined up to $500. Officials cite past devastation from invasive insects like the emerald ash borer, which has killed an estimated 60-75 % of Michigan’s ash trees, as well as threats from the Asian longhorned beetle and spotted lanternfly.

The state also introduced a voluntary Certified Invasive-Free firewood seal for local producers. Similar heat-treatment rules exist in Minnesota, New York and Wisconsin, but Michigan’s ban specifically targets wood arriving from outside its borders.