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 firewood management goals. The program offers physical activity for families and gives foresters the opportunity to clean-up after storms and harvests.
The 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.
DEEP reminds residents not to move firewood long distances as this poses a risk of spreading harmful wood boring insects that can kill live trees. Also the New Haven County Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) quarantine requires all firewood in New Haven County to stay in New Haven County unless treated and permitted by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
