North Kaibab Ranger District fuelwood permits available May 2

FREDONIA — Each year, approximately 3,000 cords of legally cut firewood are removed from the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. This year, the 10-cord maximum per household has been increased to 12 cords, while the price remains the same at $5 per cord, with a four-cord minimum.

“This is a big deal as we have more supply than demand here,” said North Kaibab District Ranger Randall Walker. “We have an ample and naturally occurring supply of firewood on the Kaibab Plateau and this cord increase will aid in improving forest health while also giving our neighbors more fuel to heat their homes.”

On May 2, the district will begin issuing paid personal-use and post and pole fuelwood permits at the district office located at 430 S. Main Street between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. The fuelwood cutting season ends Nov. 30.

Below is a brief synopsis of prices and some regulations to be mindful of when harvesting any dead standing and dead-downed trees on the district. For more detailed information regarding all the permit criteria, regulations, restrictions and maps for the Kaibab National Forest, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/kaibab/fuelwood.

How much is a cord? – A cord of firewood (stacked) measures 4x4x8 feet which equals 128 cubic feet.

What fire precautions must I take? – All permittees are reminded to check fire-danger conditions and ensure compliance with any fire restrictions that may be in effect. During periods of high fire danger, restrictions that prohibit fuelwood cutting may be enacted. Contact the district office or call 928-635-8311 to hear a recorded message on current fire restrictions.

Hauling Restrictions – Firewood must be bucked to four feet or less in length, and permittees are reminded to please not drive off road when travel will damage soils, particularly when ground conditions are thawed, wet or muddy.

Retrieval of harvested wood may be accomplished by “one-trip-in and one-trip-out” off-road motorized travel provided it is the most direct route in and out. Off-road travel to scout for wood and travel across meadows is not permitted. Use of heavy equipment (tractors, skidders or track driven machinery) is also not permitted.

Validating your load – Upon loading, permittees must physically punch out the month, day of the week and a.m./p.m. for each ¼ cord transported. Each ¼ cord ticket must then be firmly stapled, nailed, or tacked to the back of the load. For example, the average half-ton pickup can safely carry ½ of a cord of dry wood without overloading the vehicle. Once loaded there should be two ¼ cord tickets secured to the back of the load during transport. All load tickets must be clearly visible from the rear of the vehicle. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

What if I encounter a California Condor during wood cutting? – Permittees are required to protect condors and other wildlife by ensuring no garbage, toxic materials or open fluid containers are openly accessible. If condors are seen, please do not interact with them. Please contact the district office to report when and where the condors were seen.

For additional information, please contact the North Kaibab Ranger District office at (928) 643-7395 or visit the Kaibab National Forest fuelwood webpage listed above.