Wood cutting permits available for TNF

Woodcutting permits for the Tahoe National Forest may be purchased beginning Feb. 12.

Permits are valid for the entire Tahoe National Forest; however, the cutting season varies by district. The American River and Yuba River Ranger Districts will allow cutting starting Feb. 12, while the Truckee and Sierraville Ranger Districts will open cutting April 24. Firewood season for all districts will extend through Dec. 31 or until wet conditions make it necessary to close the season.

In general, the woodcutting permit allows for removal of dead or down wood on TNF system lands unless otherwise designated. It does not allow cutting on private land. Trees may not be cut if marked with paint, wildlife signs, boundary signs, and other official signs, or in areas closed to woodcutting.

Woodcutting hotlines, established for each district, will have information regarding any fire danger or wet weather restrictions. Woodcutters must call the hotline each day before cutting.

Woodcutters are required to keep a serviceable shovel at least 46-inches long and an approved fire extinguisher (2 pound dry chemical or 1 pound foam type – ABC or greater) within 25 feet of where saws are being operated. All power saws and other internal combustion engines such as motorized splitters must have a U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrester installed.

The price for permits is $15 per cord with a 2-cord minimum and an annual 10-cord maximum per household. Permits can be obtained at all TNF Ranger Stations, the Forest Headquarters, or by mail. Applications for mail-in permits can be found online and then by clicking on “Passes and Permits.”