Forest pests have found their way to Nova Scotia in recent years, and they pose a large threat to the environment and economy. Forests provide many ecosystem benefits in Nova Scotia, and the loss of these services would be devastating for the Province. These pests are destructive, and can easily wipe out entire forest stands. Invasive forest pests are able to spread from one region to another by hitchhiking on firewood that is transported from one part of the province to another. People who take firewood with them to parks and campsites may unknowingly move pests that are living on or in the firewood. While not bringing firewood with you to campsites and parks is important, not bringing it back home with you is equally important. When you bring firewood home with you, the chance of introducing an invasive forest pest to your community increases.

There are federal regulations in place that ban the movement of firewood out of areas where there are known forest pests, in order to help stop the spread of invasive species. More information can be found under the Nova Scotia menu here.

How can you help?

The best approach to protecting our forests is to not move firewood. If you’re going camping or going to your cottage, you can buy local, and burn local to prevent the spread of invasive forest pests. If you see any forest pests on your firewood or in trees, report your observations. Help keep our forests healthy, don’t move firewood.