MT. GILEAD, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has removed hazardous trees from Mt. Gilead State Park that are now available for collection from now until Sunday, March 6. Free firewood may be collected Sunday through Saturday during daylight hours and collections are located throughout posted areas of the park.

Only firewood cut by the ODNR Division of Forestry and located at the designated park pick-up areas may be collected and removed. Removal of any standing or fallen trees outside of the designated pick-up areas will be prohibited.

Many of the trees that were removed have been affected by a Gypsy Moth Quarantine. The gypsy moth is an invasive insect that infests and kills deciduous hardwood trees such as maple, elm, and particularly oak. Gypsy moths can also feed on apple, alder, birch, poplar and willow trees. Tree damage is caused by the insect larvae, or caterpillars. The trees at Mt. Gilead State Park that have been affected by gypsy moth pose a public safety concern for park visitors and campers.

Use of chainsaws, log-splitters, axes, mauls, as well as any other hand tools or powered equipment for further processing of the firewood at or adjacent to the collection area will be prohibited. Vehicles must remain in the designated parking areas.

Firewood will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the department makes no guarantee that the supply will be available for the full duration of the designated timeframe.

Staff report