Firewood Cutting Regulations in Arizona

/ State-by-State Firewood Cutting Guidelines / By

Arizona offers opportunities for firewood harvesting on both public and private lands, with rules designed to protect forests and reduce the risk of wildfire. Here’s a detailed guide to legally cutting and transporting firewood in Arizona:

Firewood Cutting on Public Lands in Arizona

  1. Permit Requirement:
    • A permit is required to cut firewood on lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) or Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
    • Permits are issued for personal use only and cannot be used for commercial purposes.
  2. Where to Get Permits:
    • Permits can be obtained at local USFS ranger stations or BLM field offices.
    • Some forests allow permits to be purchased online.
  3. Permit Costs and Limits:
    • Permits typically cost $20–$50, depending on the forest, and allow harvesting of up to 5 cords per household annually.
  4. Application Links:

General Firewood Cutting Rules in Arizona

  1. Designated Cutting Areas:
    • Cutting is restricted to specific zones designated in the permit. Maps are provided to permit holders.
  2. What Can Be Cut:
    • Only dead and downed trees are allowed unless otherwise specified in the permit.
    • Standing dead trees may require explicit permission.
  3. Seasonal Restrictions:
    • Firewood cutting is typically allowed from May to November, depending on fire risk levels.
    • Restrictions may be imposed during high fire danger periods.
  4. Safety Requirements:
    • Chainsaws must have spark arrestors.
    • Carry firefighting tools, including a shovel, water, and a fire extinguisher.

Area-Specific Firewood Cutting Rules

Coconino National Forest

  • Permit Details:
    • Permits are valid for designated areas and for up to 5 cords annually.
    • Only dead and downed wood is permitted, with cutting restricted to non-wilderness areas.
  • Details and Permits:
    Coconino Firewood Info

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

  • Cutting Rules:
    • Firewood cutting is allowed in designated zones only.
    • Permits are valid from May 1 to November 30, weather permitting.
  • More Info:
    Apache-Sitgreaves Firewood Permits

BLM Public Lands in Arizona

  • Rules:
    • Firewood permits are available for personal use only.
    • Cutting is limited to downed wood and specific zones.
  • Details and Permits:
    BLM Arizona Firewood Info

Firewood Cutting on Private Lands in Arizona

  1. Landowner Permission:
    • Written permission from the landowner is required to harvest firewood on private property.
  2. Timber Companies and Firewood Rights:
    • Some private landowners or companies sell permits for firewood cutting.
  3. Prohibited Practices:
    • Cutting live trees without explicit permission is prohibited.

Transporting Firewood in Arizona

Arizona enforces strict transport rules to prevent the spread of invasive species and protect its forests from wildfire threats.

  1. Movement Restrictions:
    • Firewood cannot be transported across state lines without certification that it is heat-treated and pest-free.
  2. Buy Local, Burn Local:
    • Always use firewood sourced locally to reduce the risk of spreading pests like bark beetles or emerald ash borers.

    More info: Don’t Move Firewood – Arizona

Penalties for Violations

Violating Arizona’s firewood regulations can result in:

  • Fines up to $5,000.
  • Confiscation of illegally harvested or transported wood.
  • Additional penalties for causing environmental damage or wildfire risks.

Tips for Responsible Firewood Harvesting in Arizona

  1. Plan Ahead:
    • Apply for permits early, as demand can be high in popular regions.
  2. Minimize Environmental Impact:
    • Scatter debris and avoid cutting near streams or wildlife habitats.
  3. Check Fire Restrictions:
    • Be aware of fire bans or restrictions during high-risk periods.

Resources for Firewood Cutting in Arizona

Always verify regulations with local authorities before cutting.

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