DEEP Firewood Lottery Open for Applications

Got wood?

If not, you can apply for the state firewood lottery until Feb. 1.

Each year, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) holds a lottery to give away designated two-cord lots of standing and downed trees. Results of this year’s lottery will be accepted until Feb. 1, with results announced by March 14.

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

The two-cord lots will be sold for $60 to lottery winners as forest road conditions allow, with permits being issued before October 2012.

Information on the lottery from DEEP:

The annual firewood lottery offers Connecticut homeowners an opportunity to enjoy the state forests in a unique way by providing a renewable affordable locally grown fuel source. Firewood harvesting from State land helps achieve sustainable forest management goals, improved forest health, and offers fun physical activity for family and friends.  Henry David Thoreau is often credited with the saying that firewood warms you twice, once through the exercise of splitting and once in the fireplace.

DEEP reminds all visitors that removal of any firewood from a state forest requires a permit. In addition, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn while cutting wood. The minimum requirements of PPE include the following:  hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection, and cut-resistant chaps or pants. Chainsaws have to be equipped with properly functioning safety devices including a chain brake.