As backcountry roads open for the summer, permits to cut firewood on the San Juan National Forest go on sale at agency offices and selected retail outlets.
A minimum purchase of $20 allows the bearer to gather 2½ cords of dead and downed firewood from the San Juan National Forest for personal use prior to Dec. 31. Each tag is good for one-half cord of firewood. The appropriate number of tags must be validated and securely fastened to firewood in a visible manner before the vehicle is driven from the place where the firewood was gathered. One household may purchase permits for up to 10 cords of firewood per year for personal use. Gathering firewood for resale requires a commercial permit.
Permits, which come with a brochure and map, are available at:
San Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court, Durango
Kroeger's Ace Hardware, 8 Town Plaza, Durango
Columbine Ranger District, 367 South Pearl, Bayfield
Dolores Public Lands Office, 29211 Highway 184, Dolores
City Market, 508 E. Main, Cortez
Dolores Food Market, 400 Railroad Ave., Dolores
Cox Conoco, 201 E Railroad Ave, Mancos
Pagosa Ranger District, 2nd & Pagosa St., Pagosa Springs
Restrictions apply to the cutting of standing dead ponderosa pine and live Gambel oak. This and other information is offered on firewood tags and accompanying brochures. Permit holders are expected to be familiar with these regulations. Information on specific road conditions is available on the San Juan National Forest Web site at: www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan/ Click on 'Road and Motorized Trail Information' in the right hand column.
For more information, contact the San Juan Public Lands Center at 970 247-4874.
