The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that the agency is accepting bids from homeowners to cut firewood on state forests in Chenango and Madison counties. Due to the increased demand for firewood, sales will only be offered through a sealed bid auction and not by lottery. Participants do not need to sign up in advance to participate in the bidding process.
All firewood for sale is standing, live trees located off-road and will require a chainsaw, tractor and cart, or a 4-wheel drive truck for cutting, access, and hauling. The trees available for cutting are marked by DEC foresters. Cutting the trees provides people with the opportunity to purchase firewood for home heating while also improving State forests by thinning out areas of over-crowded trees.
Firewood will be available in volumes of three, five, and 10 standard cords with a minimum bid of $20 per cord. A standard cord is a pile of wood measuring 4’x4’x8’ when cut and stacked.
Information about firewood sales including bid sheets, volumes and terms is available on DEC’s website at dec.ny.gov/lands/82005.html or from DEC’s Sherburne office at 2715 State Hwy 80, (607) 674-4017 (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Bids are due in the Sherburne office on May 17, 2017, by 2 p.m. Maps depicting the location of each lot are also available online at dec.ny.gov/lands/82005.html. Individuals may bid on multiple firewood lots but will only be awarded a single lot as determined by DEC.
Firewood lots will be awarded to the highest bidder. After a homeowner is notified as the highest bidder, the homeowner must execute a contract with the state and make payment by June 1 or the lot will be offered to the next highest bidder. Cutting and removal of firewood may begin as soon as a contract is executed, typically the end of May, and must be completed by September 18.
In an effort to prevent the spread of invasive insect species, such as the Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Long-horned Beetle, state regulations prohibit moving more than 50 miles firewood that has not been heat treated. Persons completing bid sheets under this program may transport cut trees no more than 50 miles from where the wood is felled. They also must complete a “Self-Issued Certificate for Transport” form and carry it with them when transporting the wood. For more information on firewood movement restrictions visit DEC’s website at dec.ny.gov/animals/44008.html or call 1-866-640-0652.
