Firewood program saves money for Wright-Patterson

  • Published
  • By Diane Kofoed
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Oh. --  The emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive beetle that typically targets and destroys ash trees, was discovered on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in 2010. An urban ash tree inventory was started on base in 2010 and completed in 2012. A total of 1,020 urban ash trees were documented during the inventory. Annual surveys were completed of every inventoried ash tree in order to document the condition of the tree. A list of treated trees along with trees needing removal were identified. Ash tree removals began in fall 2010 and continue on base.

As Wright-Patterson Air Force Base continues its efforts to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars by finding ways to save money and, in some case, generate revenue, the base received approval earlier this year to sell EAB-infected trees as firewood.

For anyone interested in purchasing the firewood a firewood cutting permit must be purchased from the environmental branch of the Installation Management Division of Civil Engineering office, Bldg. 300, room 22 located in Area A. Cost of the permit is $20 and allows up to two, 8-foot pickup truck-bed size loads of wood. Permits are only valid for one day.

Purchasers will also have to sign a liability release acknowledging adherence to regulations such as the restriction of transporting firewood outside the state of Ohio. Although ash trees will be the most prevalent wood available, storm damaged trees may also be available for firewood.

According to Darryn Warner, Natural Resources program manager, the program is most beneficial for saving disposal costs for Wright-Patterson AFB.

"Normally we would have to pay someone to come and remove the wood. So this program is great because it makes (Wright-Patterson) a little bit of money and saves us a lot in terms of disposal costs," Warner said.

Those interested in purchasing firewood must already have access to Wright-Patterson AFB and should contact Warner at 937-257-4857 for more information.