Verde Valley AZ (April 11, 2015) – The Coconino National Forest will begin offering firewood permits for the 2015 season on Friday, April 17, and the public may begin cutting on Saturday, April 18 after the purchase of a permit.
Permits are $20, which are good for four cords of wood and can be purchased at the following locations Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. unless otherwise indicated:
- Coconino NF Supervisor’s Office, 1824 S. Thompson St., Flagstaff; 928-527-3600
- Flagstaff Ranger Station, across from the Mall at 5057 N. Hwy 89, Flagstaff; 928-526-0866
- Red Rock Ranger Station, 8375 State Route 179, Sedona; 928-282-4119; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Open 7 days/week)
- Blue Ridge Ranger Station, 8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack; 928-477-2255; 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (No permits sold after 3:45 p.m.)
- Verde Ranger Station, 300 E. Hwy 260, Camp Verde; 928-567-4121.
Each additional cord of wood is $5, up to a maximum of 10 cords per household for the season. A free-use permit may be obtained for specified areas of the forest, one per household each season, which allows up to five cords of down and dead wood to be gathered.
Firewood season on the Coconino National Forest is generally open from mid-April through mid-December each year. These permits allow for the following:
1. Any dead wood lying on the ground can be removed.
2. Dead standing pine or fir can be cut that is less than 12 inches in diameter or less than 15 feet tall.
3. Dead standing pinyon and juniper can be cut regardless of size, unless there is obvious use by wildlife.
4. Standing dead aspen less than 12 inches in diameter or less than 15 feet tall may be cut only from June 1 to September 30.
A map and more detailed information are provided with each permit. Load tags will be issued as part of each firewood permit and must be physically attached to each ¼ cord of firewood, punched or marked, and visible from the rear of the vehicle. Four load tags will be provided for each cord of wood issued on the permit. The goal of this load tagging system is to ensure accountability for the amount of wood removed from the forest.
Fuelwood cutters should be aware that chainsaws can throw sparks and ignite grasses and brush. Always carry a shovel and a fire extinguisher or water in case of a fire start. Additionally, all chainsaws must be equipped with a stainless steel spark arrestor screen. Cutters should check with forest offices periodically for information about the implementation of fire restrictions.
Unless specified elsewhere in the permit or identified as prohibited, motorized off-road travel is authorized to access and load firewood. The permit does not authorize motorized cross-country travel to scout for firewood, but it does authorize off-road vehicle use by the most direct route in and out of the area to accomplish firewood retrieval. Please exercise caution when driving off-road and avoid resource damage.