October 19, 2011
BARRE, Vt. (AP) - The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation has decided to cancel the annual firewood lottery for 2012, due to post-Irene safety concerns.
The program allows residents each January to cut up to three cords of designated trees on state land for personal use firewood. The trees are marked as groups of hardwoods close to state forest highways to make cutting and hauling easier.
But the department questioned the accessibility and safety of some areas following the impact of Irene. Some roads and bridges still need repairs.
The department will continue to supply firewood through its "Wood Warms" program, which gives logs from timber sales to nonprofit groups. The program has provided up to 100 cords of firewood per year for low-income residents.
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