Firewood Use on National Forests in the Western United States

Author: Force, Jo Ellen

Source: Western Journal of Applied Forestry, Volume 1, Number 4, 1 October 1986 , pp. 111-115(5)

Publisher: Society of American Foresters

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Abstract:

USDA Forest Service personnel from 81 of the 87 national forests in the 11 western states responded to an April 1984 mail survey on firewood for personal use. Firewood use increased steadily from 1970 to 1982 when 655,000 permits were issued, and forest managers estimate 2.8 million cords were cut. In 1983, there were 462,000 permits issued and an estimated 2 0 million cords cut. Forest managers say the decrease may reflect more accurate records being kept because of permit fees in 1983. Until reliable, accurate firewood use data are available, utilization of this forest resource cannot be fully understood, and the ability to predict future trends is limited. However, 93 percent of the forest managers predict that the demand for fire-wood will increase during the next five years. Managers believe the major factors influencing supply and demand are accessibility, the amount of timber harvested, and the cost of conventional fuels for home heating. Adoption of 15 firewood management practices was examined and provides guidance to forest managers responsible for the firewood resource. West. J. Appl. For. 1:111-115, Oct. 86.

Document Type: Journal article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Forest Resources, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83843

Publication date: 1986-10-01

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