C.O. firewood cutting season set to open
Personal use firewood collection will open Sunday across the Ochoco National Forest and within designated cutting areas on the Crooked River National Grassland and the Prineville BLM.
Designated cutting areas within the Deschutes National Forest will open Monday. All areas will remain open through November 30.
Firewood cutting permits are now on sale at Deschutes, Ochoco and Crooked River National Grassland Forest Service offices, the Prineville Bureau of Land Management office, and at various vendors located throughout Central Oregon; however, firewood collection may not begin until the start date for each respective unit.
For a list of vendors: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprd3797861.jpg
Permits sell for $10 per cord with a minimum two-cord purchase required. Each household may purchase up to 8 cords annually. Permit holders will receive a “Firewood Synopsis,” a publication illustrating the areas where the public has access to collect firewood after purchasing a firewood permit.
It is the responsibility of the permit holder to read the Firewood Synopsis in order to understand which tree species are available for firewood cutting and gathering in the designated areas. It is prohibited to possess or remove trees that have been cut illegally.
Many areas have different opening dates, and some have off-road vehicle use restrictions. Permit holders need to pay particular attention to the “Rules and Regulations” as well as the specific cutting designations listed on each cutting area map in the synopsis. Compliance with these regulations will allow the Forest Service to continue to offer new cutting areas to the public.
Also, be sure to “Know Before You Go.” Grab a free copy of the Motor Vehicle Use Map for the area where you’ll be cutting, or download a free version onto your smartphone, to ensure you are traveling on designated roads.
For more information on Motor Vehicle Use Maps: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/maps-pubs/?cid=stelprdb5318152
