The San Juan National Forest began selling permits to cut firewood this year at select retail outlets across the Forest on May 3rd. Specific agency offices will begin offering permits for sale, utilizing established protocols and times listed below as well. A minimum purchase of $20 allows the permit holder to gather two-and-a-half cords of dead and downed firewood from the San Juan National Forest for personal use.
Permits are divided into five separate tags; each tag is good for ½ cord of firewood and can be used separately or all at one time. One household may purchase a permit for up to 10 cords of firewood per year for personal use. A cord is measured as a stack 4’ x 4’ x 8’. Restrictions apply to cutting standing dead ponderosa pine and live Gambel oak. Cutting firewood for commercial resale requires a commercial permit. Permits are valid until December 31st, 2021.
Chainsaws must have an approved spark arrester and it is recommended operators carry an axe or shovel. Fire restrictions may be put in place during the summer, it is the permit holder’s responsibility to adhere to any additional fire restrictions posted. Permit holders are expected to abide by all regulations written on their permit. More information on firewood gathering regulations is available on the website forest products permits webpage.
Individuals can purchase permits at the following agency offices using the process outlined below. Only one customer will be served at a time and priority given to issuing permits requests that can be addressed quickly rather than providing detailed trip planning.
Pagosa Ranger District, 180 Pagosa St., Pagosa Springs, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., M – F.
Service will be provided through a walk-up window near the office front door. The office will not be open.
Columbine Ranger District, 367 South Pearl, Bayfield, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., M – F.
Service will be provided through a walk-up window near the office front door. The office will not be open.
San Juan National Forest Headquarters, 15 Burnett Court, Durango, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., M – F
Service will be provided at the office visitor area. The remainder of the office building will be closed to visitors. Maps, guidebooks, and other products will also be available for sale.
All offices on the San Juan National Forest are currently providing services virtually. For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874, visit the forest website.
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