Tahoe National Forest Woodcutting Permits on Sale February 12Sierra REC Magazine

Tahoe National Forest Woodcutting Permits on Sale February 12

Nevada City, Calif, – Woodcutting permits for the Tahoe National Forest (TNF) can be purchased beginning February 12, 2015. Permits are valid for the entire Tahoe National Forest; however, the cutting season varies by district. The American River and Yuba River Ranger Districts will allow cutting starting February 12, while the Truckee and Sierraville Ranger Districts will open cutting April 24. Firewood season for all districts will extend through December 31 or until wet conditions make it necessary to close the season.

In general, the woodcutting permit allows for removal of dead or down wood on TNF system lands unless otherwise designated. It does not allow cutting on private land. Trees may not be cut if marked with paint, wildlife signs, boundary signs, and other official signs, or in areas closed to woodcutting.

Tom Quinn, TNF Supervisor, reminds woodcutters to carefully study the maps accompanying the permits to see what areas are closed to woodcutting and to get their wood early. “With the past few winters having been so dry, we are opening the permit season earlier so it’s possible to cut wood before increased fire danger limits opportunities,” said Quinn. “While we have extended the permit season, woodcutters still need to be aware of seasonal road closures within the forest. It is important to be familiar with the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), available from TNF offices for free, and provided with woodcutting permits.”

Woodcutting hotlines, established for each district, will have information regarding any fire danger or wet weather restrictions. Woodcutters must call the hotline each day before cutting.

Woodcutters are required to keep a serviceable shovel at least 46 inches long and an approved fire extinguisher (2 pound dry chemical or 1 pound foam type – ABC or greater) within 25 feet of where saws are being operated. All power saws and other internal combustion engines such as motorized splitters must have a U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrester installed.

The price for permits is $15 per cord with a 2-cord minimum and an annual 10-cord maximum per household. Permits can be obtained at all TNF Ranger Stations, the Forest Headquarters, or by mail. Applications for mail-in permits can be found online at www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe by clicking on “Passes and Permits.”

For more information on the woodcutting program call:

Forest Headquarters

(530) 265-4531

TTY users dial 711 for telecommunication relay service

631 Coyote St

Nevada City, CA 95959

Yuba River Ranger District

(530) 288-3231

TTY 288-3656

15924 Highway 49

Camptonville, CA 95922

Woodcutting Hot Line: (530) 288-3231