NH has a problem. How do you protect the state from nearby invasive pests such as the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle? State officials think they have a solution.

1) Make the transportation of firewood into the state unlawful.
2) Hold random 'trunk inspections' looking for lawbreakers.
3) Make it easier to find firewood locally.

New Hampshire is soon to be the 5th state participating in firewoodscout.org, a joint venture between the 5 states, The Nature Conservancy and the Don't Move Firewood campaign. It features a Google mapping tool, detailing the locations of all the known firewood vendors in the 5 state area. The venture's main goal is to help state residents and visitors buy and use firewood locally, in an effort to slow the spread of invasive insect pests.

The New Hampshire Department of Agriculture Markets & Food, Division of Plant Industry (603-271-3681) is currently compiling a list of firewood vendors in NH and they're asking the public to submit information about firewood stands and sellers, no matter how large or small the operation. The tips will be entered into a database enabling the Google mapped details to be accessible by desktops, laptops, tablets, and all brands of smartphones. Good for the vendors, good for consumers, good for the state and baaaad for bugs!

The state has even promised to promote the availability of the Firewood Scout website (including all NH vendors!) to the public through online and printed materials, public service announcements, ads and/or other promotional vehicles. More free advertising!! Depending on funding, the state would also like to circulate starter packets for participating firewood vendors that would include a receipt book and a weather resistant "use local firewood" poster.

If you'd like to include your business, please send your (business) name and address, and indicate what seasons your wood is available, if your firewood is heat treated, and if you offer delivery service. If you don't want to include your address, you may request that they just show the 'town' as the address. Phone numbers are optional.

For questions and submissions, contact Morgan Dube, Entomologist, NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Foods at 603-271-3681 or morgan.dube@agr.nh.gov.