By Staff
Race fans should remember as they head off to Brooklyn to watch the races at Michigan International Speedway this weekend, not to transport firewood.
State officials are reminding race fans that it is illegal to transport firewood to or from the race track as Jackson County is part of Michigan's Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) quarantine area.
That means that firewood can be purchased in Jackson County and burned, but it is against the law to bring firewood into the county or transport any out of the area.
Fans may purchase wood locally and are asked to burn all they purchase before leaving the areas surrounding the race track.
The Emerald Ash Borer is responsible for the death or destruction of millions of ash trees in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.
The state is working diligently to stop the spread of the EAB. Since the larvae live and feed underneath the bark of ash trees, unsuspecting campers can transport it from area to area or state to state.
By purchasing local firewood, the state is hoping to control the spread of EAB.
So we are encouraging all race fans to have a great time this weekend as the stars of NASCAR invade Michigan International Speedway.
We are also asking them to not bring firewood from home to the Jackson area. By doing so, they can help the state of Michigan keep fighting against the Emerald Ash Borer.