Fire Wood

[csmithtrw]

I just found out that the park is asking campers from Kane, Dupage, Cook and parts of Kendal counties to not bring in fire wood due to the ash boring beatle. I'm not sure who they are asking, since I had to call to get the information. I see nothing posted on the website and there were no signs a couple weeks ago when I was out there.

Just thought it might be good information for someone.

[pdronline]

I just found out that the park is asking campers from Kane, Dupage, Cook and parts of Kendal counties to not bring in fire wood due to the ash boring beatle. I'm not sure who they are asking, since I had to call to get the information. I see nothing posted on the website and there were no signs a couple weeks ago when I was out there.

Just thought it might be good information for someone.

Hi - the camp hosts are attempting to ask people if they've brought wood, although I have to say that it's not a perfect system. Often the hosts are driving thru the park to get people registered and by then the wood is unloaded and the campers have a fire going.
If the registration office is open, they are trying to get anyone who has brought wood to voluntarily unload the wood by the registration office and the park rangers will replace the wood, when possible.
And it's not just the counties listed above. All of Michigan, as well as some other states are quarantined, and I believe it's now in DeKalb county as well. The park office has a list but it's changing constantly as new infected areas are being identified.
The park knows that there is no way to prevent the spread, but they are hoping to slow it down while a "cure" is found. It's a race to see which happens first - ash trees become extinct, or a way is found to kill the beatles.

I agree that signage would be good and something on the web site.

[pdronline]

I just found out that the park is asking campers from Kane, Dupage, Cook and parts of Kendal counties to not bring in fire wood due to the ash boring beatle. I'm not sure who they are asking, since I had to call to get the information. I see nothing posted on the website and there were no signs a couple weeks ago when I was out there.

Just thought it might be good information for someone.

Forgot to mention. There are large signs posted by the shower house, and there are flyers at the registration office showing people how to ID the beatle.

[Kathy]

We camped last weekend and learned of the fire wood ban. While I certainly understand the concern over spreading the disease it's really a shame because us campers took a hit in the wallet when the camping rates very nearly doubled last year and now you'll be expected to pay $5 a bundle (or whatever they are currently charging) for a few skinny sticks of wood that burn up in about a half hours time. If you were camping more than a couple days, and like to have fires in both the morning and evening like we do, camping could turn into a very costly activity between the nightly rates and the tons of money you would have to spend to have decent fires. I would think that if someone brought in outside wood and left it in their truck/vehicle (assuming it's covered) and only took out what you were about to use it would be fairly effective. But there is always the risk of people that don't comply with that, etc. Anyway - we wouldn't even be talking about this if this country either 1) had stricter standards where imports are concerned, or 2) simply didn't import as much from other countries (wouldn't want to create more jobs here or anything silly like that). This latest pest/beetle is just one in a growing number of enemies that have taken hold here by catching a ride on imported products (i.e. Asian Longhorn Beetle, Snakehead Carp, etc). But I digress. Anyway - about the DNR "replacing" any wood you bring in. Is that true? What do they replace it with and is it free?

[pdronline]

We camped last weekend and learned of the fire wood ban. While I certainly understand the concern over spreading the disease it's really a shame because us campers took a hit in the wallet when the camping rates very nearly doubled last year and now you'll be expected to pay $5 a bundle (or whatever they are currently charging) for a few skinny sticks of wood that burn up in about a half hours time. If you were camping more than a couple days, and like to have fires in both the morning and evening like we do, camping could turn into a very costly activity between the nightly rates and the tons of money you would have to spend to have decent fires. I would think that if someone brought in outside wood and left it in their truck/vehicle (assuming it's covered) and only took out what you were about to use it would be fairly effective. But there is always the risk of people that don't comply with that, etc. Anyway - we wouldn't even be talking about this if this country either 1) had stricter standards where imports are concerned, or 2) simply didn't import as much from other countries (wouldn't want to create more jobs here or anything silly like that). This latest pest/beetle is just one in a growing number of enemies that have taken hold here by catching a ride on imported products (i.e. Asian Longhorn Beetle, Snakehead Carp, etc). But I digress. Anyway - about the DNR "replacing" any wood you bring in. Is that true? What do they replace it with and is it free?

Hi Kathy
If you bring wood into the campground, and it's from any of the affected counties, and you give it up, you can ask to have a ranger replace it at no charge. They know that this is an inconvenience and an expense that no one really appreciates, but the directive is coming from the state in an attempt to slow down the spread of the beatle.
You may also use any deadwood you find laying around in the park.
As for the price for a bundle, The Camp Store offers convenience and many like that, however if the cost is an issue, you might want to check around at the various places in Shabbona that sell firewood. I remember last year that some offered a discount if you bought more than one bundle. Not sure about this year however.

One small correction, the camping rates went up in 2002, not last year. I sure do agree that's a big jump, but compared to airline rates and security hassles, or the cost of fuel to drive, and then having to pay for a motel room and meals for a weekend on top of that, a weekend camping is pretty reasonable, especially for a family with children.
I have talked to countless campers this spring who are either camping in upgraded or new tents, trailers, etc, and/or who are camping for the first time because they say it's more affordable and healthier since everyone is enjoying the great outdoors.
Time will tell, I guess.

[Kathy]

Good to know. Thanks for the info.

[Jack]

Yes, the camping rates went up in 2002 and you get nothing at the park for this increase. All the camping fees collected go DIRECTLY to the Govenors General fund to squander any way he pleases, and he is good at that. :eek:

[fishin' nut 24]

Amen Jack!

[kerry]

firewood at campground store is 6.99 a bundle

[Whitesox_1_2005]

Go to BP where it is $2.99 and it is the same bundle.

[John Barleycorn]

...and the source of neither can be verified by the Department of Agriculture.

Agrilus panipennis infests ONLY ASH TREES. Why can we not bring oak, birch, hickory, fruitwood, or conifer? It doesn't sound like they are actually checking firewood coming in - but WHEN they do, it might be a good idea to employ the services of someone who knows the difference between his ash and a hole in the ground.

[3006]

John Barleycorn ,I'm afraid there is no one on the pay roll at Shabbana park that could fill that request.GOOD ONE1