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Seward Ranger District Chugach National Forest Po Box 390, Seward, AK. 99664 Media Contact:
Mitch Michaud, 907-288-7744 Learn more about where and how to harvest personal use firewood on the
Chugach National Forest this season Kenai Peninsula (September 10, 2015) –Alaskans love to harvest firewood to keep homes warm and energy costs down. This
is exactly why the Chugach National Forest would like to share with residents in the local areas of the Seward and Glacier Ranger Districts where and how they can harvest personal use firewood year-round and free of charge.
Things to consider before heading out to harvest: ü
Almost all of the National Forest system lands are open to firewood cutting of dead and/or downed trees. Cutting live green trees is not permitted.
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Click here to view a map of the National Forest System lands in the local area.
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Some exceptions include within 150 yards (450 feet) of any developed recreation site (campground, trailhead, trail, along campground access roads, or other administrative sites);
active timber sale areas; and active contractor sites.
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If harvesting firewood for this winter season, consider harvesting standing or downed dead trees that can be burned the same year vs. harvesting green trees that need seasoned.
Burning wet green trees produces poor heat and generates creosote which if not managed regularly can result in a higher likelihood of chimney fires.
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Occasionally, the Forest Service may provide opportunities to the public to harvest individual and decked (stacked and accessible) trees. In these situations, the trees are a
result of vegetation management projects that are designed to improve wildlife habitat, reduce hazardous fuels, thin the forest to allow remaining trees to grow larger, and to provide wood products to the public. In these accessible areas, the Forest Service
often makes firewood available to the public through either a sale or a free permit system.
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One area is currently open
by permit for standing green trees in the Granite Creek area at approximately mile 62 of the Seward Highway.
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Devils firewood unit is closed at this time due to ongoing contract work in the area. Once this or any other vegetation management project area is ready to open for firewood
gathering by permit, the Forest Service will notify the public through community e-mail distribution lists, newsletters, and electronic newspapers.
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The availability of the products (decked or individual trees) is dependent upon contract termination dates, weather, road conditions, and other factors.
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Permits, when available, can be obtained at either the Seward or Glacier Ranger District offices. For additional information regarding specifics on personal use firewood harvest
on the Chugach National Forest please contact Mitch Michaud, Forester, at 907-288-7744. |
