Woodcutting permits change in Eldorado Forest to allow dead trees to be cut

Woodcutting permits on the Eldorado National Forest have been changed to allow larger standing dead conifer trees to be cut for firewood. A minimum of tTwo cords of wood can be cut for $15 per cord.

"This change in our woodcutting permits will encourage removal of potentially dangerous roadside hazard trees," said forest supervisor Laurence Crabtree. "Fire and bark beetles have left a lot of dead trees which could fall across forest roads, particularly the less traveled roads in the back country."

The new fuelwood permits on the Eldorado National Forest allow removal of standing dead softwood trees such as pine, fir, and cedar up to 20 inches in diameter at eye level which is an increase from the previous 10 inch diameter limit. The size limit for dead standing hardwood trees such as oak is still 10 inches in diameter at eye level. There is no diameter limit in the fuelwood permit for dead trees that have already fallen to the ground, either softwood or hardwood species.

Forest Service permits are available for harvesting a variety of forest products for personal use including firewood, cones, decorative forest greens, boughs, and mushrooms. The Forest Service is reminding those who are harvesting forest products are that standing dead trees are prone to falling, which is a serious natural hazard. Anyone who is in the forest should pay close attention to the condition of the trees around them and use extra caution around dead trees which could fall or drop branches suddenly.

Woodcutting permits can be purchased year round, however the wet season closure of native surface roads will limit access when in effect. There is also no cutting of standing dead trees from December 1 through March 31 to prevent accidental cutting of live deciduous trees which may look dead when they lose their leaves. Any dead tree that has already fallen to the ground may be cut year round with a permit provided that legal access is possible.

All fuelwood permits expire on December 31 of the year purchased. Anyone who already purchased a 2016 woodcutting permit under the old guidelines is allowed to cut up to the new larger diameter limit for softwood species.

Additional information about woodcutting permits:
Cost: $15 per cord.
Quantity: Minimum 2 cords.
Availability: Permits can be purchased year round and expire on December 31 of the year purchased. Fuelwood permits can be obtained at any of the Eldorado Forest District offices in Pioneer, Camino, Pollock Pines, and Georgetown. Wood permits are not available at the Supervisor's Office in Placerville, Ca (Forni road).

For more information: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/eldorado/passes-permits/forestproducts/?cid=STELPRDB5358841