Permits to cut firewood on the San Juan National Forest will be on sale starting May 1 at agency offices and selected retail outlets. The $20 permit allows the bearer to gather two-and-a-half cords of dead and downed firewood by Dec. 31 from the San Juan National Forest for personal use.
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, 180 Pagosa St., Pagosa SpringsPermits are divided into five separate tags; each tag is good for ½ cord of firewood and can be used separately or all at one time.
Tags must be validated and 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. Cutting firewood for commercial resale requires a commercial permit, and information can be obtained at each district office.
Restrictions apply to the cutting of standing dead ponderosa pine and live Gambel oak. Permit-holders are expected to be familiar with these regulations.
While most national forest roads open on May 1, some may still be wet or muddy and impassable.
More information on firewood gathering regulations and current road conditions are available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan/
For more information, contact the San Juan Public Lands Center at 247-4874.
