Firewood drop-off boxes added at P.E.I. entrances to stop spread of invasive species

People arriving to P.E.I. with firewood from outside the province will have two new options to safely dispose of itto help keep invasive species from the Island.

A secure drop-off box has been set up at both the visitors centresin Gateway Village at Borden-Carleton, P.E.I., and atWood Islands, P.E.I.

The two boxeswere put in place as part of a pilot project spearheaded by theP.E.I. Invasive Species Councilthrough a newcommittee called Don't Move Firewood.

"The goal is to limit the spread of invasive insects and pathogens brought into P.E.I.through firewood brought by campers," said Kassidy Matheson, invasive species technician with the council.

"To launch an educationalcampaign that encourages people to first of all, not bring firewood over but if they do, they have a safe placeto dispose of their wood and leave it behind."

Screeners at the two entry points will help visitorslocate the drop-off locations especially those travelling withcamping equipment.

The metal boxes have a secure chute at the top to allow people to easily drop the firewood in.

An insect collector is located insidewhere flying insects can be trapped so if any invasive insects arediscovered they can be further studied.

The wood that is collected in the bins will be taken away and incinerated at a P.E.I. Energy Systems facility.

The concern is that some invasive species can lay eggs underneath bark of the firewood and then be transported into new areas.

The pilot project is a partnership betweenthe council, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the government of P.E.I.and Island watershed groups.

"The CFIA is pleased to see these bins being used to help to stop the spread of harmful pests into and within P.E.I.," said Bill Anderson, plant health officer of Canada,in a written release.

"Everyone who is travelling near or far in Canada needs to do their part to protect our beautiful forests and the life that depends on them."

Matheson said one of the main species they are trying to prevent getting to the Island is the emerald ash borer, which has been identified in New Brunswick.

"We are concerned with that onebecause if it did come herewe couldlose, like,up to 99 per cent of our ash trees on P.E.I.," she said.

"That's definitelyconcerning because we have the black ash which is a threatened, rare species hereand it's very important to wildlife and it's ofcultural significance to the Mi'kmawcommunities as well."

She said it is better to stop the spread before the invasive species become established, making it harder to remove them.

People who are staying at provincial or national park campgrounds are able to get wood in exchange. When they drop off at the disposable bins, they are able to get a coupon for free replacement firewood at those campgrounds.

Matheson said if the pilot project is successful they hope to expand it to private campgrounds on the Island next year.

More from CBC P.E.I.