Fuelwood Permits On Sale Today

Sonora, CA — The U.S. Forest Service started selling personal use fuelwood permits at eight o´clock this morning.

According to Stanislaus National Forest Public Affairs Spokesman Pat Kaunert, the fuelwood season officially begins Tuesday, April 1 and will continue until approximately November 30 depending on weather and road conditions.

To avoid a price increase necessary to cover processing fees, the Forest Service is charging $25 for a two-and-a-half cord purchase. This charge is equal to the $10 per cord charged in recent years. The maximum purchase of 10 cords per household still exists.

Although the fuelwood season opens April 1 some forest roads have not yet opened for vehicle travel due to current weather and road conditions. Early season woodcutters are reminded to contact their local Ranger Station to learn about wood cutting regulations, current road conditions and which roads are open and dry enough for vehicle travel.

Fuelwood cutters are asked to carefully review and fully comply with the terms specified on their permits. The operation of chainsaws is permitted only on authorized “cut days” and is prohibited on “no cut days” during period of high fire danger. Permit terms and federal regulations are strictly enforced.

Sonora Forest Supervisor´s Office (209) 532-3671

Groveland Ranger Station – (209) 962-7825

Summit Ranger Station – (209) 965-3434

Calaveras Ranger Station – (209) 795-1381

Mi-Wok Ranger Station – (209) 586-3234

Written by Bill Johnson