OLYMPIA – Firewood permits are available for the Colockum Wildlife Area near Wenatchee, according to an announcement from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The available firewood is a result of a 900-acre forest health treatment to restore forest health, reduce fuel loads and prevent wildfire, and defend against insect outbreaks in the wildlife area, according to the announcement. The thinning project helped to bring the area back to healthy historical tree densities, from 120 to 140 trees per acre to now about 30 trees per acre, the announcement said.

The department anticipates issuing 30 permits for this first section, with six sections available in future permitting phases across the 900 acres, the announcement said. Permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Selected permit applicants will have through October 2023 to gather firewood.

Permittees will be allowed to cut and haul up to five cords of firewood for personal use, the announcement said. Harvesters can cut from slash piles or downed wood. Gathering firewood from standing trees is prohibited. Harvesters should also check for and follow industrial fire precaution levels prior to operating chainsaws during high fire danger periods. Harvesters also need a Discover Pass or Vehicle Access Pass to park on WDFW-managed lands.

Interested applicants should complete a firewood permit and mail it to WDFW’s South Central Region Office, Attn: Randy Carbary, 1701 S. 24th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902-5720.