Kentuckians who get firewood from the Daniel Boone National Forest can now get their permits through a new online E-permit system.
E-permits may be purchased by computer or mobile device at any time, which eliminates an in-person visit to a local Forest Service office.
Mary O'Malley is the public affairs specialist for the Daniel Boone National Forest. She said there is a limit to what people can collect with these permits.
“When you purchase a firewood permit from the Daniel Boone National Forest, that allows you to collect approximately 4 full-sized pickup truck loads of wood or 4 cords. On our firewood permits page, in this new online portal, there is an illustration of what that looks like.”
She said those collecting firewood are limited to what is already on the ground.
“Our firewood permits are for dead and down wood only. That's partially for safety, certainly, we don't want people out there felling trees left and right. Standing trees, dead or alive, might be used for wildlife trees. A dead tree is a great place for a woodpecker or other wildlife to make a home in.”
She said recent weather events have brought down many trees in the Daniel Boone. This creates more fuel for wildfires.
O'Malley said removing the downed trees removes this potential hazard.
More about the new E-permit system can be found here.
