GRANTS, N.M. – As the weather warms and residents begin thinking about stocking up on firewood for the colder months, the Mount Taylor Ranger District began the sale of fuelwood permits Wednesday, May 15.
These permits allow for the collection of dead, down, and standing trees across various species in designated areas.
Residents can purchase permits either in person or by telephone. The Mount Taylor District Office located at 1800 Lobo Canyon Road in Grants, NM, and the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisors Office at 2113 Osuna Rd. NE in Albuquerque, NM, will both be facilitating sales. The offices will operate from 8:30 am to 12 noon, and from 1 pm to 4 pm, Monday through Friday.
The cost of the permits is set at $2 per cord, with a minimum purchase requirement of $20.
Customers choosing to purchase by telephone must use a credit or debit card. These permits, along with a map showing the designated collection areas, will be mailed to buyers within one to three business days. Those preferring to pay with cash, personal check, or money order can do so by visiting the offices in person.
The available fuelwood includes a variety of species such as Ponderosa Pine, Piñon, Juniper, Spruce, and some Aspen, with each household limited to a maximum of 10 cords per season, which extends until December 15. For oak wood, which has a higher demand, the limit is one cord per household and can be collected until October 15. Additionally, permits for collecting wildings (young trees) of any species except Oak are also available, with a maximum length of up to five feet and a total cost cap of $100.
For further details on the types of wood available, specific limits, and other regulations, interested parties can contact the Mount Taylor Ranger District at 505-287-8833 or the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands office at 505346-3900. All collections are contingent on current weather conditions and fire danger levels, with no extensions granted beyond the specified dates.