Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
IRONWOOD — Effective Jan. 1, 2022, the Ottawa National Forest will resume permit requirements for personal-use firewood gathering, according to release from the U.S. Forest Service.
Permits are available at district offices and cost $5 per ccf (100 cubic feet), with a minimum of 4 ccf — thus, the minimum fee for a permit is $20.
The Ottawa Nation Forest has allowed for free personal-use firewood gathering since early 2020 to support households that rely on firewood for home heating and to limit the need for office visits during the COVID-19 public health emergency, according to spokesperson Lisa Klaus.
OHF officials announced last week that this policy would expire on Dec. 31, 2021.
Depending on facilities, forest offices are providing walk-in, appointment or virtual services. People seeking a permit should contact a district office by phone to confirm service hours and availability, said Klaus.
Call the Supervisor’s office in Ironwood at 906-932-1330; the Kenton Ranger District at 906-852-3500; the Ontonagon Ranger District at 906-884-2085; or the Visitor Center/Watersmeet Ranger District at 906-358-4551.
“Firewood gatherers must comply with forest regulations and permit requirements. Individuals may not sell firewood gathered under a personal-use permit. The forest prohibits cutting of live trees, using motorized vehicles off roads open to the public and harvesting in restricted areas,” said Klaus.
Additional details about firewood gathering restrictions are available through local offices and at fs.usda.gov/main/ottawa/
passes-permits.
—Daily Globe
