see also: in May 2008:   Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol Announces State of the Agency   CBP Celebrates Significant Occasions at Advanced Training Center in West Virginia   CBP to Issue New Frequent Traveler Cards   Ecstasy and Methamphetamine Seized at Ambassador Bridge   CBP Races to Secure NASCAR’s Monster Mile   CBP Air and Marine Agents Interdict Migrants in Florida at the Start of Memorial Day Weekend   Border Patrol Agents Rescue 51 Illegal Aliens from Tractor Trailer ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers   Know Before You Go on the web:   Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

contacts for this news release

Washington – Pack the tents and sleeping bags, and the kids too! But don’t pack firewood and kindling; instead buy your firewood and kindling in the U.S. That is the message U.S. Customs and Border Protection wants travelers arriving from Canada to remember.

Hitchhiking invaders, such as the Asian Long horned Beetle, European Gypsy Moth, Emerald Ash Borer are harmful pests that can infest firewood and destroy or defoliate U.S. trees and forests if transported across the international border.

Travelers must declare all agriculture products including firewood and kindling when arriving in the United States. Firewood originating in certain areas of eastern Canada is not admissible into most of the United States. All other firewood and kindling are subject to additional inspection by CBP agriculture specialists.

If pests are found in the wood, it will be refused and you may be required to bring it back to Canada. Failure to declare agriculture products, including firewood and kindling, will result in delays and could incur on-the-spot civil penalties of $300 or more.

Firewood and kindling can be purchased at many campgrounds, grocery stores and other retail outlets in the United States. More information about agriculture entry requirements can be found on the "Know Before You Go" page or the USDA website. ( Know Before You Go ) ( Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service )

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.