The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Personal and commercial use firewood collection season has started on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland. All areas will remain open through November 30. This is only for the national forest lands and does not include permits for firewood cutting on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.

Personal firewood permits will be available at local vendors and open Forest Service offices. Commercial permits will only be available at Forest Service offices. For closed Forest Service offices, commercial permits can be made available by calling your local office and arranging a time to obtain a permit.

Permit holders must have a permit and a copy of the “Firewood Synopsis” while collecting firewood and will be required to tag their loads.

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. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to read the “Firewood Synopsis” and understand the tree species available for firewood cutting and gathering in the designated areas. It is prohibited to possess or remove trees that have been illegally cut.

The Sisters Ranger District front office is now reopened.

This year personal firewood permits are free for up to eight cords of wood. This firewood cannot be sold and must only be used for personal use. People interested in selling firewood must obtain a commercial permit.

Permit holders must be aware of and follow all fire restrictions, which can be found on either of the two Forest’s websites, www.fs.usda.gov/main/deschutes/home or www.fs.usda.gov/main/ochoco/home. The “Firewood Synopsis” and list of vendors are also located on the two websites.

Contact Sisters Ranger District at 541-549-7700.