Permits to cut firewood on the San Juan National Forest will be on sale starting Monday, May 1, 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 national forest for personal use before Dec. 31. Permits, which come with a brochure and map, are available at:
San Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court, DurangoKroegers Ace Hardware, 8 Town Plaza, DurangoColumbine Ranger District, 367 South Pearl, BayfieldDolores 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 half of a cord of firewood and can be used separately or all at one time. The appropriate number of 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 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 Monday, May 1, some may be wet, muddy and impassable. For more information about firewood gathering regulations and current road conditions, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan/.
For more information, call the San Juan Public Lands Center at 247-4874.
