MADISON, Wis. - As cooler temperatures lead to the lighting of fire pits and the burning of firewood, natural resource experts are cautioning users not to transport untreated wood long distances, as the action can inadvertently lead to the spread of invasive species.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources posted a warning to residents stating that insects and fungi that are non-native to a region can spread, which could lead to problems for forests, parks and other ecosystems.

The problem is said to be significant enough that the entire month of October is devoted to its awareness, which is known as National Firewood Month.

WHY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE IS SEEKING HELP IN SEARCH FOR LARGE, YELLOW-STRIPED SPIDERS

The Wisconsin DNR highlighted more than a dozen insects and disease

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