Due to the demand by Band Members for winter fuel wood, Chief and Council have decided that the Firewood Transport Ban will be “temporarily lifted” for a period commencing immediately until Sunday October 22nd. Firewood is defined as wood cut in lengths of 4 feet.
The October 2-week window is outside of the flight season of the adult Emerald Ash Borer Beetle (EAB). Adult insects emerge from underneath the bark and fly to other ash trees to lay their eggs from May 1st though September 30tth.
During the “lift period” firewood may be transported to Georgina Island to an approved site for winter storage. All Ash and other firewood must be burned by early to mid April to prevent the emergence of any invasive insects which may have overwintered under bark.
A major loss of canopy cover and obliteration of our Ash species will have devastating effects on our Forest Ecosystems as well the First Nation culturally, traditionally and economically. You are responsible to ensure that the EAB is not transported to the First Nation in your firewood.
THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS MUST BE ADHERED TO:
1. Firewood must be inspected for signs of infestation prior to leaving the Firewood Broker and prior to boarding the Ferryboat. Signs of infestation include EAB and ALHB galleries, D-shaped Exit Holes, presence of frass (sawdust/insect waste). Firewood with signs of EAB is not permitted to be transported to the First Nation.
2. Is the firewood properly seasoned? Hardwood should be left to season for at least 1 year to minimize the chances of it harbouring insects. In a living tree wood has a moisture content of 75%. Seasoned fuel wood should be 20% or less in moisture content.
3. Provision of a Proof of Local Purchase must be submitted immediately to the Ferryboat Staff prior to launch. These will be then forwarded to the First Nation Administration Office.
For more information please contact:
Heather Charles Ash Tree Monitoring & Management Coordinator
705-437-1337, extension 2242 Heather.charles@georginaisland.com