Residents looking to stock up on firewood for the winter will soon be able to obtain cutting permits on the Siuslaw National Forest, officials announced Monday.
Both personal-use and commercial firewood permits will become available in early October, though start dates vary by district. The permits are required for anyone harvesting or transporting firewood from the national forest.
The Central Coast Ranger District will begin issuing permits Oct. 1 at ranger stations in Waldport and Reedsport. The Hebo Ranger District will start distributing personal-use permits Oct. 14 at the Hebo Ranger Station.
Personal-use permits will be provided free of charge with households limited to a maximum of six cords per year. Commercial permits cost $120 for a minimum of six cords, plus $20 for each additional cord.
All permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are nontransferable. Applicants must present a valid government ID at the time of purchase.
Forest officials are urging prospective permit holders to scout cutting areas in advance, noting that roads leading to firewood sites may be primitive and require four-wheel drive vehicles. Maps and additional information are available on the Siuslaw National Forest’s firewood cutting webpage.
Harvesters are also reminded to avoid cutting, piling or gathering firewood near streams, ponds, lakes or other wet areas to protect water quality and fish habitat.
Rules, restrictions and authorized cutting locations are specific to each district.
For more information on the Central Coast Ranger District, contact Mitch Lachapelle at 541-305-3869 or mitchell.lachapelle@usda.gov, or call the ranger station in Waldport at 541-563-8400 or the Reedsport office at 541-271-6000.
For more information on the Hebo Ranger District, contact Kalista Paladeni at 503-392-5137 or kalista.paladeni@usda.gov or call the ranger station at 503-392-5100.