The Journal
Permits to cut firewood on the San Juan National Forest will be for sale starting May 1 at agency offices and selected retail outlets.
A minimum purchase of $20 allows the permit holder to gather 2½ cords of dead and downed firewood from the San Juan National Forest for personal use. Permits are valid until Dec. 31.
The permits map and brochure are available at:
Dolores Public Lands Office, 29211 Highway 184, DoloresCox Conoco, 201 E Railroad Ave., MancosCox Conoco Corner, Highway 491, LewisDolores Outfitters, Railroad Ave., DoloresSan Juan National Forest Headquarters, 15 Burnett Court, DurangoKroeger’s Ace Hardware, 8 Town Plaza, DurangoColumbine Ranger District, 367 South Pearl, BayfieldPagosa Ranger District, 180 Pagosa St., Pagosa SpringsPermits are divided into five separate tags; each tag is good for a half cord of firewood and can be used separately or all at one time. One household may purchase a permit for up to 10 cords of firewood per year for personal use. A cord is measured as a stack 4 by 4 x 8 feet.
Restrictions apply to the cutting of standing dead ponderosa pine and live Gambel oak. Cutting firewood for commercial resale requires a commercial permit. Information can obtained at any Forest Service office.
Chain saws must have an approved spark arrester. Operators will need to carry a fire extinguisher, meeting a 2A rating, and a round-pointed shovel at least 35 inches long. Fire restrictions may be put in place during the summer, it is the permit holder’s responsibility to adhere to any additional posted fire restrictions. Permit holders are expected to abide by all regulations written on their permit.
Due to snowmelt, roads even at lower elevations are likely to be wet or muddy when the woodcutting season opens on May 1. Roads that are impassable may need to stay closed until they dry out to prevent resource damage. More information on firewood gathering regulations and current road conditions are available online http://bit.ly/2KNwZZ9.
For more information, contact the San Juan Public Lands Center at 247-4874.