Residents of Hennepin, Ramsey and Houston counties are being reminded to make sure ash trees or branches knocked down in last weekend's storms do not leave those counties.

The three counties have been under an ash wood quarantine since the emerald ash borer was discovered inside their borders. The quarantine, part of an effort to restrict the insect's spread, means that ash lumber, logs and waste cannot legally be taken out of those counties. Violators can face a fine of up to $7,500.

Residents can find out where their ash waste is going by checking with their local solid waste department or, if they have a private hauler, checking with the hauler. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has a list of sites that accept ash waste in the three quarantined counties at www.tinyurl.com/2e5qbku.

Not sure if your tree is or was an ash? Identify it at www.tinyurl.com/28pg95b.

State officials are also urging July 4th campers to not carry their own firewood with them. State parks and state forest campgrounds do not allow campers to bring their own firewood. The Department of Natural Resources directs campers to buy firewood from vendors near campgrounds. Information about firewood vendors can be found at www.tinyurl.com/26pl2e6.

BILL MCAULIFFE