Pile of fuelwood. Courtesy/fs.usda.gov
SFNF News:
SANTA FE — The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will begin selling personal use fuelwood permits Monday, June 1.
In alignment with federal guidance on COVID-19 and New Mexico public health orders, the SFNF has adopted a no-contact process to sell permits over the phone and deliver them by postal mail.
Customers can call the Supervisor’s Office at 505.438.5300 or any of the district offices to leave a voicemail, including a name and call-back number, to purchase a fuelwood permit. SFNF customer service representatives are monitoring voicemails and will return the call as soon as possible.
To expedite the process, customers should be prepared to provide:
- Full name and proof of identification, i.e., state-issued driver’s license number
- Mailing address
- Vehicle information, including make, model and license plate number
- Valid credit card number
Forest offices are expecting a high volume of calls for fuelwood permits. Please leave only one voicemail at one office location, and DO NOT leave credit card information on the voicemail. If you don’t receive the permit, tags and guidelines in the mail within 10 business days after speaking with customer service, please call back.
“Fuelwood is one of the most important forest products we provide to our communities,” Forest Supervisor James Melonas said. “It’s also important to protect the health and safety of our customers and our employees. We appreciate your patience with this virtual process which allows us to meet both of these objectives.”
In another change this year, the $20 permit is good for up to 10 cords, double the previous limit of five cords. Dead-and-down permits, which expire Dec. 31, 2020, are valid on the entire forest, except in designated wilderness areas. Fuelwood maps will be posted on the SFNF website. Permits to harvest green wood on Rowe Mesa are sold only by the Supervisor’s Office and the Pecos/Las Vegas District Office.
The SFNF is in Stage 2 fire restrictions, which include a “hoot owl provision” prohibiting the use of chainsaws and other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to reduce the risk of an accidental fire start during the hottest, driest part of the day. Fuelwood permittees must turn off chainsaws by 10 a.m. but may continue decking and loading their wood.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the SFNF continues to assess the best way to provide services to our communities. Be safe and plan ahead to reduce unnecessary exposure and impacts on emergency personnel. Follow all federal guidelines and state public health orders, including social distancing and limits on groups size, when collecting fuelwood. Stay up to date on the fuelwood program by checking the SFNF website and following the forest on Facebook and Twitter.
