The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin the sale of fuelwood permits on June 1. Permits cost $20 per cord with a 2-cord minimum purchase. There is a 10-cord per household limit.

Permits have specific conditions and full information is provided when the permit is issued. Maps to designated cutting areas are also provided and must be in your possession along with the valid permit. The permit is for collection of “down-dead” wood up to a 30-inch maximum diameter in designated fuelwood areas within the Lake Tahoe Basin. “Down-dead” means the tree is down on the ground and dead, rather than dead and standing.

Cutting any standing tree, whether dead or green, is not allowed.

Permit holders must keep vehicles on National Forest System roads. No off-road travel is allowed and permit holders must comply with all permit conditions. Be aware that some designated fuelwood areas are only open during specified dates and all areas are subject to closure at anytime. Due to remaining late-season snow, higher elevation areas will open when conditions permit. Also, be aware that a number of forest areas are off limits to fuelwood collection.

Permit holders are asked to stay off private property and demonstrate courtesy regarding noise or collection activity on National Forest System lands near homes or neighborhoods.

Permits will be available through Oct. 28 at the LTBMU Supervisor’s Office at 35 College Drive in South Lake Tahoe, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm. For more information, call office at (530) 543.2694.