By transporting firewood, you could be spreading diseases and invasive insects that can quickly kill large numbers of trees. Help Stop the Spread and obey the Firewood Regulation:

Good housekeeping is a requirement wherever black bears are found. Simple sanitation measures can be the key to avoid attracting bears. Take responsibility for your safety and encourage your neighbors to do the same!

Frequently, humans unknowingly create potential food sources for bears. This may attract them into close proximity to residential areas and subsequently result in human-bear conflicts.

The simple answer is food! Bears are more likely to seek out human food sources in the spring, when natural food is scarce, and in the summer, particularly during periods of drought.

Rules and guidelines for the use of public lands managed by DEC are generally as follows: Camping is prohibited within 150 feet of any road, trail, spring, stream, pond or other body of water except at areas designated by a “camp here” disk.

Primitive camping involves little or no amenities such as running water, electric, picnic tables, and restrooms. Primitive camping is sometimes referred to as back-country camping, which is a term used more often in the Forest Preserve and refers to being back in the woods, away from civilization.