State Parks and Forests Offer Firewood for Cutting
(04/124) Trenton -- The Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering residents the
opportunity to cut firewood at any of four participating
state parks and forests for $15 a cord while supplies last.
Through its Homeowner's Firewood Program, DEP's Division
of Parks and Forestry opens up state land to individuals
interested in cutting firewood for personal use.
"Taking advantage of this program provides people
with another opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and experience
nature first hand," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M.
Campbell. "Cutting wood for personal use is a beneficial
way to cut energy costs while affording individuals a chance
to visit state forests."
The public can cut up to a maximum of five cords of standing
timber. Homeowners are responsible for cutting in designated
areas and removing their own firewood.
Firewood at Belleplain and Wharton State Forests will not
be available for cutting until October 30. Advance reservations
are required and can be made for any two consecutive days.
The firewood program helps to reduce wildfire hazards by
thinning the density of the forest. Cutting opens up the
canopy of the forest for new growth reducing competition
among existing trees for water and sunlight.
Commercial resale of the wood is not permitted.
The Homeowner's Firewood Program has been sponsored by
the state since 1973.
If interested, call or visit one of the following areas
for reservations:
Belleplain State Forest
P.O. Box #450, County Route 550
Woodbine, NJ 08270
(609) 861-2404
High Point State Park
1480 State Route 23
Sussex, NJ 07461-3605
(973) 875-4800
Stokes State Forest
1 Coursen Road
Branchville, NJ 07826
(973) 948-3820
Wharton State Forest
4110 Nesco Road
Hammonton, NJ 08037
(609) 561-0024 (Batsto)
(609) 268-0444 (Atsion)
For a free copy of the New Jersey State Park Service's
Fall and Winter Calendar of Events, call 1-800-843-6420
or visit any state park, forest or historic site near you.
Text telephone users can call NJ Relay Services at 1-800-852-7899.
Information is also available on the Division of Parks and
Forestry's Web site: www.njparksandforest.org
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