Verde Valley AZ (April 10, 2014) – The Coconino National Forest will begin offering firewood permits for the 2014 firewood season on Friday, April 11th. The public may begin cutting on Saturday, April 12th after the purchase of a permit. Firewood season on the Coconino National Forest is open through mid-December.
These permits allow for the following:
- Any dead wood lying on the ground can be removed.
- Dead standing pine or fir can be cut that is less than 12 inches in diameter or less than 15 feet tall.
- Dead standing pinyon and juniper can be cut regardless of size, unless there is obvious use by wildlife.
- 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.
Permits are $20, which are good for four cords of wood. Each additional cord of wood after that is $5, up to a maximum of 10 cords per household for the season. A free use permit may be obtained, one per household each season, for specified areas of the forest, up to five cords of down and dead wood may be gathered with this permit. 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.
Though forest roads are still subject to seasonal closure due to wet or winter weather, the vast majority of the roads will be open. The status of roads in each district can be found online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/coconino/home/?cid=stelprdb5441646&width=full and selecting the appropriate district.
In addition, the upcoming 2014 Firewood Guide has been georeferenced and will be available on the Coconino National Forest website for free for those who wish to download it to a mobile device. Instructions for installation to mobile devices will also be available on the Coconino website. The georeferenced map and installation instructions should be available on the website no later than the end of April 2014.
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. This permit does not authorize motorized cross-country travel to scout for firewood. This permit authorizes off-road vehicle use by the most direct route in and out of the area to accomplish firewood retrieval. Do not enter the forest when rutting and other road damage could occur from extremely wet conditions. Please exercise caution when driving off-road and avoid resource damage.
Permits are available at the following locations, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. unless otherwise indicated:
- Coconino National Forest Supervisor’s Office, Flagstaff; 928-527-3600
- Flagstaff Ranger Station, Flagstaff; 928-526-0866
- Red Rock Ranger Station, Sedona; 928-282-4119; 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m (Open 7 days/week)
- Mogollon Rim Ranger Station, Happy Jack; 928-477-2255; 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (No permits sold after 3:45 p.m.)
- Verde Ranger Station, Camp Verde; 928-567-4121.