We drove to a remote part of the Colville National Forest to find a spot to fell some trees for our kids’ wood supply.
To clarify and answer some questions: There is a usual $30 permit fee you need to obtain to cut down trees in the forest. The last 2 years the fee was waved. These are standing dead trees that you can cut. They require you to cut your lengths to 7-1/2 feet so that you aren’t processing lumber, as such, but using the wood for heating purposes.
It was a new adventure for four of us. Dear and Dan have done this a few times.
All the proper gear was loaded in the trucks. We were far enough away that the grands really didn’t need their ear protection.
Keeping a good distance away from the location that the trees would fall upon.
Timber!
Chaps and gloves and ear protection are all important along with common sense.
Bear spray, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment were loaded, if needed.
The first sections ready to load at about 7-1/2 feet. Smaller rounds will be cut at home.
Addy was not happy about all the Dear Flies, none of us were! They were annoying for sure.
A little time in the shade.
These two persevered for the 4 hours or so out in the wilderness with entertainment from their own imaginations. There were lots of snacks and water, too. On the way home after singing a few rounds of ‘I’ve been working on the Railroad’ they both fell asleep and had a nice little nap but once home they were raring to go!
JJ found his tractor and trailer and was ready to haul some wood if needed.
The two old folk stopped on the way home for a quick bite to eat and then went home for a cool shower and to put their feet up! We are thankful that we can be a help to our kids when needed.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
Do you have to have a permit for this? Wonderful that you can just go and collect the wood you need.
Barbara, There is a usual $30 permit fee you need to obtain to cut down trees in the forest. The last 2 years the fee was waved. These are standing dead trees that you can cut. They require you to cut your lengths to 7-1/2 feet so that you aren’t processing lumber, as such, but using the wood for heating purposes.
Hello,
It is good to have a good supply of wood for the winter. We usually have to buy the woods and have it delivered.
People here are not allowed to just walk into the forest and cut down the trees. Take care, enjoy your day and happy weekend.
…I gave up on firewood years ago!
Such a new adventure but sure was a lot of hard work for the guys
It is wonderful that this is allowed. It means a sustainable forest.
The kiddos did great! “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” is a handy
song in “trying” times. My sis and her husband are treated to the serenade
quite often. 😁
Love,
Vee
Vee, exactly, especially since the trees we cut down are already dead and we are helping to clear out the deadwood. 🙂
What a great idea to be able to get firewood that way.
Ken has got down many a dead tree on our property. Though we don’t have a wood burning fireplace we use the wood in the BBQ.
What a beautiful forest, Ellen. It takes a family to gather wood. I understand all too well as when we were younger, we heated with wood. That wood heats you several times!
What a fun and fruitful day! I love that you can cut down the dead trees without needing to pay. Perfect way to clear out the dead ones – we have SO many around here. The kids did so well to entertain themselves for that time and also to learn the value of hard work! Have a great weekend.
Ellen – Dear and Dan clearly know what they are doing. I was especially glad to read that you had fire extinguishers. Can’t be too careful at this time of year. We have mosquitoes and gnats the size of sparrows (well, I might be exaggerating slightly) – I blame the wet spring – and it is annoying even if the bug spray keeps them from biting. A cool shower is always welcome after you feel you have been pelted by bugs for hours! Have a wonderful weekend!
That was quite an adventure for the littles! When we lived at the Farmhouse, we heated with wood and the guys all cut wood (Ron, his dad, brother, brother-in-law, nephew, Ryan). They actually enjoyed the comradery, and we all benefited from their hard work!
Oh what fun. I would loved to have had a go at that. You will be cosy this winter. B x
I never knew a person could get a permit to take dead trees out of the forest! That’s quite a process. And I would have never thought to bring headphones, or a fire extinguisher, or bear spray! Yikes! Thank you for sharing this with us. I learned something today!