Ask Mr. Answer Person: "I've heard that campers will not be allowed to bring camp wood with them when they camp in 2014."

Les e-mails from western Iowa: "I've heard that campers will not be allowed to bring camp wood with them when they camp at Pulpit Rock Campground in 2014.  The wood must be from Winneshiek county.  We have camped in Decorah for 20 some years.  Really like the area .  Can you check on that?"

Mr. Answer Peron says: "You can blame the Emerald Ash Borer, if you like.  The emerald ash borer has been discovered in trees in Allamakee County, just to the east of Winneshiek County.  Forestry experts are worried about the spread of the tree-killing insects.

The biggest cause of the spread of the insect is firewood that has been carried from one county to another.  So in 2014 outside firewood will be banned at Winneshiek County-owned campgrounds.  Winneshiek County Conservation Board Executive Director Barb Schroeder points out that county campgrounds sell really big bundles of firewood for $3, so this shouldn't be much of a financial burden.

Of course, you've asked about a private campground in Winneshiek County, which is different than the county-run campgrounds.  But even if the rules might be different at individual campgrounds, the need to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer is the same.

The bottom line is, please come visit beautiful Winneshiek County again, but leave your firewood at home!