The risk from these pests is present in the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Note: As of this date, campfires are not permitted in Chino Hills State Park. But, since some residents burn wood in their fireplace and store wood outside, this information is helpful to slowing the spread.
From Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer’s E-Newsletter:
OC Parks is initiating a new firewood policy designed to reduce the risk of damaging Orange County’s oak and sycamore woodlands and other trees from invasive pests.
Visitors to OC Parks’ two camping parks, Caspers Wilderness Park and O’Neill Regional Park, may no longer bring or burn outside firewood, unless it is commercially produced, heat treated and labeled “Pest Free” or “Safe to Move.” This is due to highly invasive and destructive non-native insects that could travel in firewood and decimate local tree populations.
The Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB) and Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) are invasive pests contributing to ongoing tree mortality in California, and both have been found in Orange County. These pests and pathogens can easily be moved from place to place by hiding in firewood. Campgrounds around the state are taking steps to slow the spread of tree pests by limiting the movement of firewood.
Wood from shipping pallets, scrap lumber, tree trimming services, etc. is prohibited. Gathering of dead wood or other plant material within the park is not permitted.
Treated firewood bundles will be available for purchase at the park office of our camping parks.