Arkansas panel bans outside firewood in some areas

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission says it is now illegal to import firewood into the state's wildlife management areas.

The panel hopes to control the emerald ash borer, which feed on all types of ash trees and threaten all of the state's ash species.

The insect has been discovered in six counties -- Clark, Columbia, Dallas, Hot Spring, Nevada and Ouachita. Since its discovery in Michigan in 2002, the borer has killed tens of millions of trees.

In September, the commission imposed a temporary emergency ban. At its meeting Thursday, it made the ban permanent.

The ban includes camping sites in all wildlife management areas owned by the Game and Fish Commission.

The female beetles lay eggs on the bark of ash trees. The larvae bore into the trees.

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