Over the 4th of July weekend, Forest Rangers were out in force, approaching folks from away and asking if they brought firewood into the state with them. If they had any, the rangers confiscated it and safely destroyed it. Why? Check out this video that explains the damage done by insects that have not yet made their way into our state.

The firewood ban is one way the Maine Forest Service is trying to prevent the Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Longhorn Beetle from making their way into Maine. These two small, harmless-looking insects are wreaking havoc on woodlands in many other states. And the devastation is incredible.

I found this video today on YouTube that was put out by the city of Indianapolis, Indiana. In it, an entomologist describes the damage done to a line of Ash trees in front of a shopping mall. Now, look at those trees, and imagine what these insects could do to a Maine forest. It's scary, especially when you consider how many Mainers make their livings off those trees.

If you have friends or family headed here from out of state, take the time to mention that they're not allowed to bring firewood into the state of Maine. The Forest Service has done an excellent job keeping the predators out of our state while they've been feasting on forests in other areas. Let's help the Forest Rangers protect Maine's trees!

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