Parks Canada’s Push For Wood Removal
Parks Canada’s recent push for wood removal in national parks has been a boon for people with a firewood processor in their workshop. That said, it’s a push that’s come because of an unfortunate turn of events.
Maybe you’ve noticed it in your neighbourhood: since 2008, many long-standing ash trees in Canadian municipalities have been chopped down and hauled away. In fact, a substantial amount of Canada’s ash tree population has been removed in the past decade. The reason? The invasion of the infamous Emerald Ash Borer, a beetle that has been causing severe damage to these trees.
About the Emerald Ash Borer
While Canadian wildlife and Canadian Food Inspection Agency officials have taken many lengths to control and remove the infestation, the Emerald Ash Borer continues to thrive. These green beetles have taken up residence in many of our national parks. The beetles like to bore into ash trees, feeding on the trees and killing them in the process.
The Ash Borer is an invasive species in North America due to the lack of local predators to keep the population in check. Because of this infestation, Parks Canada has made the call to remove all infected trees and properly dispose of the wood. This is an attempt to quarantine and control the growing population of beetles.
The removal will also clear away all dead, decaying, and infected trees. This dead wood can become a safety hazard to campers and park visitors. Once all affected trees have been removed, all mature ash trees growing in affected areas will also be removed to stop the spread.
A Silver Lining
It’s always sad to see trees go, now more than ever in such an ecologically-conscious time. But with every black cloud comes a silver lining if you’re willing to look.
Although ash trees are being removed, the leftovers can prove to be a beneficial source of firewood (if properly processed). By using a firewood processor, firewood suppliers can ensure these trees don’t go to waste. By purchasing and using park-regulated firewood such as this, Canadian citizens can do their part to stop the spread of the emerald ash borer.
Many emerald ash borer beetles are introduced to national parks by campers looking to save by using leftover wood from their last camp site. Though understandable, it’s important to use local firewood to ensure it’s been processed and is pest-free, and to prevent the spread of pests and invasive species.
For over a decade, the emerald ash borer has continued to destroy millions of our ash trees. Parks Canada is taking a stand, and is taking action to finally rid Canada’s parks of this nuisance by clearing away affected trees.