Temperatures are falling, and many southwestern Colorado residents are looking to load up on firewood. San Juan National Forest firewood permits are on sale at agency offices and selected retail outlets.
A minimum purchase of $20 allows permit holders to gather two-and-a-half cords of dead and downed firewood from the National Forest before Dec. 31.
Permits are divided into five separate tags; each tag is good for a half cord of firewood. Tags can be used separately or all at one time.
The appropriate number of tags must be validated and securely fastened to the load of 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 different commercial permit.
Permits, which come with a brochure and map, are available at:
Columbine Ranger District, 367 South Pearl, BayfieldSan Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court, DurangoKroeger's Ace Hardware, 8 Town Plaza, DurangoDolores Public Lands Office, 29211 Highway 184, DoloresDolores Food Market, 400 Railroad Ave., DoloresCox Conoco, 201 E Railroad Ave, MancosPagosa Ranger District, 2nd & Pagosa St., Pagosa Springs Helpful information on restrictions, areas open to firewood gathering and safety tips are available online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/sanjuan/passes-permits/forestproducts (click on "Firewood Cutting Rules") or in the free brochure that comes with the permit. Information on up-to-date conditions of specific forest roads is posted online at www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan/ (click on "San Juan Forest Road Info" in the right-hand column).
For more information, contact the San Juan Public Lands Center at 247-4874.