Personal firewood collection season begins Monday

(Updating with correct last link)

Personal use firewood collection will open on Monday across the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and within designated cutting areas on the Crooked River National Grassland and the Prineville BLM. All areas will remain open through November 30 .

Beginning May 1 , firewood cutting permits will be 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.

For a list of government offices and vendors: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd540382.pdf

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,” containing regulations and a map book showing designated firewood cutting areas.

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.

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. Some areas may also be impacted by off-road vehicle restrictions.

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:https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/deschutes/maps-pubs