Declaration Of Quarantine

(1) Hundreds of non-native species of insects, diseases, and plants are established in the United States and are often moved around the country through various vectors, including firewood and lumber. Numerous of the species are not currently established in Tennessee but are capable of spreading rapidly and causing significant economic and ecological impact to their surroundings, e.g. Asian Longhorned Beetle, Goldspotted Oak Borer, Gypsy Moth, oak wilt (caused by Ceratocystis fagacearum), sudden oak death (caused by Phytophthora ramorum), and bacterial leaf scorch (caused by Xylella fastidiosa). Given the multitude of possible pests and disease, their potential to spread with movement of untreated firewood, and their propensity to cause rapid damage once moved, untreated firewood poses a significant risk to landscapes and commercial lumber and plant industries in Tennessee. Quarantine against untreated firewood is therefore necessary to protect the agricultural, horticultural, silvicultural, and other interests of the state. (2) The department hereby establishes a quarantine to restrict movement of firewood and regulated articles under this chapter as capable of supporting dissemination of invasive pests and disease. (3) Requirements of this chapter are construed in addition to and not in lieu of other federal or state quarantines applicable to movement of firewood.