Firewood is Available on Nearby State Land

The CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting applications from residents for its annual Firewood Lottery Program.

Winners of the Firewood Lottery are entitled to harvest a two-cord supply of live and downed trees, located on state forest land, to help reduce home heating costs.  The program also helps improve the long-term health of the state’s forestland.

The fee for the two-cord supply of firewood is $60, substantially less than supplies of commercially available split-and-delivered firewood. The lower price reflects the ‘sweat equity’ on the part of the lottery winners in harvesting the firewood, according to Chris Martin, Director/State Forester with the CT Div. of Forestry.

Martin estimates a two-person team can cut and load a two-cord supply of wood in a half-day to a day. He added the trees to be harvested are clearly marked by state foresters and are located in an area roughly a quarter-acre in size.

Nearby state forest lands included in this year’s harvest are the Pootatuck State Forest in New Fairfield, Paugussett State Forest in Newtown, and the sprawling Housatonic State Forest, which is in Kent, Warren, Cornwall and Sharon.

Deadline for submitting applications is February 1. Winners are announced on March 14. Harvesting usually occurs during the summer months when forest-road conditions are best. Last year, more than 160 individuals won the lottery and the opportunity to harvest the state wood.

Applications may be downloaded and more information may be found at the CT DEEP forestry website or by calling 860-424-3630.

CT DEEP reminds harvesters that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn while cutting the wood. The minimum requirements include a hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection and cut-resistant chaps or pants. Chainsaws must be equipped with properly functioning safety devices including a chain brake.