Get Ready To Chop Wood

Sonora, CA — Beginning Monday you can grab a chain saw or ax and head to the Stanislaus National Forest if you want to get some fuelwood. The Forest Service says fuelwood permits go on sale April 1st. That is also when the fuelwood season begins and will continue until November 30th, 2013. The cost of the permit is $25 for two-and-a-half-cords. You are allowed 10 cords per household.

Forest Spokesperson Jerry Snyder cautions, “Wood cutters need to think about safety because it can get dangerous out there. The second thing folks need to do is avoid damaging roads as they may be soft and muddy after the predicted rains this weekend.” Snyder says several forest roads may remain temporarily closed until drier conditions allow them to be re-opened. He says early season cutters should stick to the drier roads.

There are also some equipment rules for cutters. Each chainsaw must be equipped with an approved, serviceable spark arrestor. A shovel and approved, serviceable fire extinguisher must be readily available at the cutting site. Also, when hauling firewood, the number of the load tags applied to the load must be clearly visible from the rear of the load. Click here for more information about the permits and cutting rules.