The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Personal- and commercial-use firewood collection season is open on the Deschutes National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland. All areas will remain open through November 30.

The public should note this is only for the national forest system lands.

While personal-use firewood permits are free, a permit is still required. The public can obtain up to eight cords of wood per year, and permits are available at local vendors and Forest Service offices. This firewood cannot be sold and must be used for personal use only. People interested in selling firewood must obtain a commercial permit at a Forest Service office.

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.

Permits will be available at vendors — Sisters Ace Hardware, Sisters Mainline Station, and Sisters Bi-Mart — and at Forest Service offices as of May 1. All Forest Service offices in Central Oregon are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the exception of the Crescent Ranger District that is closed to the public on Fridays.

Permit holders must be aware of and follow all fire restrictions, which can be found at http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/deschutes/home. The firewood synopsis and list of vendors are also located on the website.

Call Sisters Ranger District at 541-549-7700.