Personal use firewood collection will be allowed by permit in areas of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge starting on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
According to a news release from the refuge on Friday, woodcutting of downed trees will be permitted along Swan Lake Road from the junction of Swanson River Road to Paddle Lake Trailhead; along Swanson River Road from the Dolly Varden Campground north to Swanson River Landing; along Funny River Road from Milepost 4 to Milepost 9.5; at Dolly Varden Campround, along Upper and Lower Skilak Road including Engineer Lake Road and portions of Upper and Lower Skilak Campgrounds; at Ohmer Campground; at Jims’ Landing; and along Skihill Road.
No cutting is allowed along Refuge Service Entrance Roads. Only trees that are dead and down within designated areas may be cut. Standing trees may not be felled, and vehicles may not be used beyond road shoulders.
Permits with maps and other conditions can be obtained starting Tuesday at the Refuge Visitor Center’s front desk or at self-serve stations outside Refuge Headquarters. Permits allow collection of up to five cords of firewood for personal, non-commercial use per household.
Permits will expire and firewood cutting will close on March 31. Cutting may be closed sooner based on weather or depletion of wood.
For more information, contact the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge office during business hours at 907-262-7021.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
