Federal Government Announces National "Don't Move Firewood" Campaign

Main Category: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture
Article Date: 16 Jun 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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The Government of Canada is launching a "Don't Move Firewood" campaign to limit the spread of invasive species by vacationing Canadians this summer. The announcement was made by Bev Shipley Member of Parliament for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex on behalf of Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

"Most people don't know that moving a simple piece of firewood could threaten and destroy thousands, even millions, of trees," said Mr Shipley. "We all have a responsibility to protect Canada's beautiful forests so the message is clear: buy wood locally, burn it on site and never bring it back home."

Invasive alien species are plants, animals, aquatic life and micro-organisms that spread and cause serious and often irreversible damage to Canada's ecosystems, economy and society. Invasive species create an imbalance in nature by using up the resources that native species need to survive. Like a ripple in a pond, the impact of one invasive species is far-reaching and can cause widespread damage to Canada.

The destruction of our forests affects us in more ways than we imagine. Workers who depend on the lumber industry can lose their livelihoods; animals and birds can lose their habitat; and our environment can lose the cleaning power forests provide for the air we all breathe. Once an invasive species like the emerald ash borer establishes itself, it is nearly impossible to eradicate. But by making sure these invasive species don't spread, everyone can keep the damage to a minimum.

The solution is easy: leave your firewood at home and buy locally instead. Visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's website for more information. You can also call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 (TTY 1-800-465-7735).

Canadian Food Inspection Agency