Payson Roundup

Flagstaff — Firewood permits go on sale for the Coconino National Forest beginning Friday, April 17. The first day for cutting firewood is Saturday, April 18. The cost of a permit is $5 per cord with a minimum purchase of $20 for four cords and a maximum purchase of 10 cords per individual or household.  These permits allow for the following:

• Any dead wood lying on the ground can be removed.

• Dead standing pine or fir can be cut that is less than 12 inches in diameter or less than 15 feet tall.

• Dead standing pinyon and juniper can be cut regardless of size, unless there is obvious use by wildlife.

• Standing dead aspen can be cut only from June 1 to Sept. 30.

• No cutting of any standing oak due to its value for wildlife.

A free use permit may be obtained for the removal of dead and down wood only from a few specified areas of the forest and up to five cords of wood may be gathered with this permit. A map is provided with each permit.

Firewood season is open through Dec. 13 on the Coconino National Forest.

For more information, call Mogollon Rim Ranger Station, Blue Ridge, (928) 477-2255 or Coconino National Forest Supervisor’s Office, Flagstaff, (928) 527-3600. Information is also at www.coconinoforest.us