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The Prescott National Forest is announcing fuelwood collection opportunities in three areas for dead and down fuelwood are available on the forest: the Spruce Mountain Project, Almida South Mastication, and Granite Basic Project.
The Spruce Mountain Project is a 169-acre hand-thinning unit near the intersection with Senator Highway and Spruce Mountain Road.
The Almida South Mastication Project has 703 acres of thinned juniper located 8 miles east of Paulden off Country Road 137/East Verde River Ranch Road.
The Granite Basin Project includes 275 acres of hand thinning along Granite Basic Road. The Prescott National Forest reminds fuelwood harvesters that Granite Basin is a high-use recreation area. As such, fuelwood harvesting will only be allowed in the area until Memorial Day, May 30, 2022, when trail use peaks.
Please use caution when parking and only use pull-outs and day-use areas, do not block the road. A valid recreation pass is required in day-use areas Thursday through Tuesday. No recreation pass is required of fuelwood harvesters and other visitors parking in day use sties on Wednesdays. Please use caution when parking and be courteous and safe around other users, including hikers, bikers, and horse riders.
These thinning projects involved the cutting of small diameter pines, oaks, and junipers. Larger diameter oak and juniper logs were left out of piles and larger logs were not masticated to allow for easier collection. Firewood collectors are reminded to avoid tearing apart piles as this makes it harder for fire crews to burn fuels in the fall and most firewood size oak and juniper was not piled.
Fuelwood Permit
Fuelwood permits for 2022 are available for purchase at the price of $2.00/cord with a $20.00 minimum purchase. Maps will be available at the Verde District Office and the Bradshaw-Chino District Office.
The Prescott National Forest has closed offices to the public and implemented virtual services to protect the health and safety of employees and members of the public during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with guidance from federal authorities. Fuelwood permit purchases can be made by credit card over the phone, or by check through the mail. The public is reminded to call in advance to schedule an appointment.
Please call the offices below to schedule a time to come in and purchase fuelwood permits, maps, or passes:
- Verde Ranger District Office (928) 567-1117
M-F, 8:30-12:30; 1:00 – 4:00
300 East Highway 260, Camp Verde AZ 86322 - Bradshaw-Chino Valley District Office (928) 443-8000
M-F, 8:30 – 4:30
344 S. Cortez St, Prescott, AZ
86303
Know Before You Go
Remember the following tips as you prepare to go out and cut your firewood:
- We are entering into Fire Season. Check https://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott for info on fire restrictions
- Ensure chainsaws have a functional spark arrestor. Bring water and a shovel in case of sparks
- Pick up your free Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) from any of our two offices
- Make sure you have your MVUM, fuelwood permit and tags with you when you go to
collect wood - Make sure to pack your personal safety supplies – such as water, snacks, first aid kit, etc.
Stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.
Catch up with more News Stories on Signals A Z.com.
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