As backcountry roads have begun to dry out and open for the summer season, permits to cut firewood on National Forest or BLM lands in southwestern Colorado (2014 tags are lavender in color) are now on sale at agency offices and selected retail outlets. A minimum purchase of $20 allows the bearer to gather two-and-a-half cords of dead and downed firewood from federal lands for personal use prior to December 31, 2014. 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:
Columbine Ranger District, 367 South Pearl, Bayfield
San Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court, Durango
Kroeger's Ace Hardware, 8 Town Plaza, Durango
Silverton Public Lands Office, 246 Blair Street, Silverton (June 1 - Sept 16)
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 247-4874.
