The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is opening certain areas to personal firewood collection.
Starting today, those with permits may collect up to five cords of firewood for noncommercial use. People can pick up a free permit anytime at a self-serve station at refuge headquarters in Soldotna. Permits are good until March 31, 2021.
The refuge is opening to firewood collection earlier than usual this year. The season normally begins mid-October, said Leah Eskelin, a lead project ranger and visitors center manager for the refuge.
“We are ready a little earlier, but also we completely acknowledge that this is a different year,” Eskelin said. “It’s been challenging in many different ways and it’s a small thing the refuge can do to assist, especially residents who heat with wood through the winter. To have access to that wood a little earlier, it’ll potentially give them a bit of a boost.”
Permits allow wood cutting along Swan Lake Road, Swanson River Road and Funny River Road, as well as within the Skilak Lake Wildlife Recreation Area within the Swan Lake Fire burn perimeter.
“This year, our managers took a deep look into the area along the roadway on Skilak Lake Road. So they looked at the area and determined that a buffer along the roadway could be opened up for public firewood collection,” Eskelin said. “And so that’s the area that’s brand new this year.
Eskelin noted that the permitted area does not include the burn along the Sterling Highway.
Only trees that are dead and down within permitted areas may be cut.
