The Huron-Manistee National Forests issued a firewood permits through the mail for the foreseeable future, according to a press release. During this time of social distancing, firewood permits will be free until further notice. Call your nearest Forest Service Office requesting the free firewood permit. Residents will need to provide their full name, address, license plate number and amount of firewood desired up to 12 cords. Permits will be filled out by Forest Service staff and mailed to the stated address. Permits will come fully signed and ready to harvest for firewood. I hope some will be able to take advantage of this.
In other news, the state is under a "stay at home" order as of 12:01 this morning. I guess the firewood hoarding might have to wait.
Hoarding and cleaning up the forest should be essential services. It should also be essential to beat the bugs. ( not literally, that would be mean)
No answer....left a message and we'll see if they call back. I don't know if they are even open (essential?)
Dennis, I forgot to mention that yesterday, The USFS returned my call with info that firewood collecting permit fees have been waived until the middle of May. The restrictions are no more than 5 cords and observe the standard guidelines for collecting firewood. Only thing is, the roads are buried under snow here yet and will be some time before they are snow free. And then, they will have to "firm up" before you can drive on them. So......I'm thinking I'll have maybe 2 weeks worth of collecting when all is said and done! Oh, yeah, their offices are all closed of course.
More effort than reward I think. Essential travel only for one. With the warmer temps (above freezing) the snowmo and trailer/sled would break through the surface of snow pack. Remember how much fun that was at this time of year? Naw, I'll just wait until I can drive to it with a vehicle. I had planned on spending the $20 for the wood permit anyway.
I'll never forget the times I busted through the snow to find that there was a bush under it. Found the me and the sled about 4' below the top of the snow. Some very tough times getting out for sure.