Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is accepting applications for the annual state forest firewood lottery. through February 1, with the results of the lottery determined by March 15, 2013.
“The annual firewood lottery offers Connecticut homeowners an opportunity to enjoy the state forests in a unique way by providing a renewable, affordable, locally grown fuel source. Firewood harvesting from state land helps achieve sustainable firewood management goals,” states Commissioner Daniel Esty. “The program offers physical activity for families and gives foresters the opportunity to clean-up after storms and harvests.”
However, it is important to note that the removal of any firewood from a state forest requires a permit. In addition, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn while cutting wood. The minimum requirements of PPE include the following: hardhat, eye protection, hearing protection, and cut-resistant chaps or pants. Chainsaws have to be equipped with properly functioning safety devices including a chain brake.
Upon receipt, applications are assigned a number that corresponds to their chosen harvest area. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. The Firewood Lottery will be determined in early March using a random number generating process. Successful applicant's names will be posted on the DEEP Forestry Website by March 15. Not every applicant will receive a firewood lot.
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Those chosen to receive a Forest Products Harvesting Permit will have a preprinted permit sent to the forester in the area selected by the applicant. The successful applicants will be notified when the firewood lot is ready to cut. Instructions for Permit validation and cutting area location will be included in the notification.
Meanwhile, the State reminds residents not to move firewood long distances as this poses a risk of spreading harmful wood boring insects that can kill live trees. Also the New Haven County Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) quarantine requires all firewood in New Haven County to stay in New Haven County unless treated and permitted by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Applications may be downloaded and more information may be found at the DEEP Forestry‘s Web site: DEEP: State Lands Firewood Program or by calling 860-424-3630.
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