The Superior Ranger District has opened several roads for firewood gathering through Sept. 1, with the caveat that a piece of paper is required.

“Firewood permits are free and can be obtained at any Ranger Station with a valid driver license,” said Abby Lane, Superior District Ranger. “Firewood permits are for collection across the Lolo National Forest and also people need to know that the Lolo National Forest is not issuing commercial firewood permits.”

As always, it is the responsibility of the people who gather wood to be positive of land ownership. A Forest Service firewood cutting permit is only valid on National Forest Systems Lands.

A maximum of 12 cords of firewood is authorized and the permit holder is responsible for filling out the back of the permit as the harvesting continues. (A standard full cord of wood is a volume of 128 cubic feet, measured as a pile 8 feet long, 4 feet high and 4 feet wide. A full cord can weigh up to 5,000 pounds).

Road Number 9127- Lookout Pass, Stateline, Borax

Road Number 19277 – St. Regis. Tamarack Creek

Road Number 236 - DeBorgia, Deer Creek

Road Number 437 – Ward Creek, Newman Ridge/Ward Creek (Exit 26 on I-90)

Road Number 16327 – Superior-Lozeau, Eagle Rock, Trout Creek

Road Number – 7864Superior, Thompson Ridge

These roads have not, nor will they be cleared so expect bumps while driving and possible brush scratches your wood-gathering rig “Forest Service personnel selected the roads due to knowledge of dead trees along roadways and to provide opportunities for firewood collection across the ranger district,” Lane explained.

None of these areas have been affected by beetle kill.

General standards and regulations

Do not fell green (live) trees for firewood. Do not cut cedar or Pacific yew.

Do not cut standing dead trees or down logs with signs, tags or paint marks on them.

Firewood gathering is prohibited in all developed recreation areas, campgrounds and wild and scenic river corridors.

Firewood gathering is prohibited within timber sale units or other areas signed or shown on the firewood gathering area map (if provided) as being closed to firewood gathering.

Trees or logs must NOT be felled or skidded across live streams, lakes, or reservoirs. If a tree is accidentally felled into a waterway, leave the entire tree. Firewood gathering is prohibited within 150 feet of any running stream, pond, lake, marshy, or wet area

The following activities are prohibited: using over-the-terrain vehicles for skidding, yarding or skidding systems in excess of 100 feet, log trucks for hauling, or vehicles driven off roadways to gather firewood.

Six feet is the maximum length piece that may be removed under the firewood program.

The following are fire regulations for vehicles and chainsaws (during proclaimed fire season):

Chainsaw operators must have a serviceable fire extinguisher (liquid chemical 8 oz. or dry chemical 1 lb.) and shovel available at all times.

Chainsaws must be equipped with an approved spark arrestor screen.

All vehicles must be equipped with a baffled muffler and serviceable tailpipe.

Pile or lop and scatter slash away from roads, power lines, telephone lines, ditches and stream courses.

Woodcutters should also use caution while driving on Forest Service roads. Many remain snow covered and icy at higher elevations. Roads at lower elevations are wet and muddy and the soft roadbed can easily be damaged by vehicle traffic.

Superior Ranger District, 209 Riverside Ave. W.,Superior, MT 59872 406-822-4233