Emerald Ash Borer Precautions at the Lincoln Bicentennial Encampment

Extreme care to avoid spreading a tree-killer

My husband, a Scoutmaster, received some information today about a very cool once-in-a-lifetime Scouting event that's coming up in May, 2008.

In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, the National Park Service is recreating a camporee that was held 50 years ago to honor Abraham Lincoln and his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln. It's going to be held at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial near Gentryville, Indiana.

They are expecting an encampment of over 3000 Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts along with their leaders from seven different Boy/Girl Scout Councils. As I understand it, most of the campsites will be in the Lincoln State Park that is adjacent to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial.

The guidelines for fires are interesting and prudent. Ground fires won't be permitted, unless a campsite already has a firepit.

In addition, much care will be taken to avoid spreading the emerald ash borer through transported firewood.

To safeguard our forests from the Emerald Ash Borer infestation, firewood may not be brought into the park. Dead wood that Scouts would typically collect and burn is also not allowed -- do not move any wood! "Certified" wood that is clean of the Emerald Ash Borer may be purchased at the Campground Store in Lincoln State Park -- this is the only wood that may be used.

Source: Lincoln Bicentennial Encampment Leader's Guide

The trees really are at our mercy. We can be careful about spreading the Emerald Ash Borer, or we can be stupid and careless. Everytime that the borer gets a ride in firewood, it rapidly arrives in areas that it would not reach for many years with its own legs and/or wings.

I applaud the Lincoln Bicentennial Encampment for putting some firm guidelines in place, and I am very sure that the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will respect the rules.

Adult emerald ash borer on a penny (USDA image)