Firewood season opens on May 13

TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST " Firewood permits for the Tahoe National Forest can be purchased beginning May 13. The price for permits is $15 per cord with a two-cord minimum and an annual 10-cord maximum per household.

Permits can be obtained at all Ranger Stations, the Forest Headquarters or by mail. Applications for mail-in permits can be found online at www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe. Firewood season will extend until Nov. 1, when rain and snow traditionally make the roads impassable. The season may be extended if the weather is drier and roads passable.

In general, the firewood permit allows removal of dead and down wood on Tahoe National Forest system lands unless otherwise signed, but not on private land. It also authorizes removal of standing dead conifer trees within 200 feet of some roads. Trees may not be cut if marked with paint, wildlife signs, boundary landmark signs, other official signs or in areas closed to woodcutting.

Tom Quinn, Tahoe National Forest Supervisor reminds woodcutters to carefully study the maps accompanying the permits to see which areas are closed to firewood cutting.

"As everyone remembers, the extensive lightning and fire activity in June and July combined with the dry conditions of late summer made last year's woodcutting season quite short. Get your wood in early so it has a chance to dry. Dry wood provides 50 percent more heating value and emits fewer pollutants than an equal weight of green wood," said Quinn.

Firewood cutters are reminded that they are required to keep a serviceable shovel at least 46 inches long and an approved fire extinguisher (two pound dry chemical or one pound foam type " ABC or greater) within 25 feet of where saws are being operated. All gasoline-powered saws, splitters, etc. must have a Forest Service approved spark arrester installed. Transportation load tickets will be issued along with the permit.

To determine what areas are open for cutting and fire danger, call the woodcutting hot line for the ranger district where you plan to cut wood (also found on the permit).

Truckee Ranger District:

530-587-3558

TDD: 530-587-6907

9646 Donner Pass Road

Truckee, CA 96161

Woodcutting Hot Line: 530-587-2158