Firewood permits available at Raccoon State Recreation Area

The public is invited to cut certain downed trees for firewood inside Raccoon State Recreation Area.

In January and February, some trees that have died naturally or were affected by the emerald ash borer (EAB) will be available to cut and haul away for $10 per truckload. Available trees are in the campgrounds and along the roadway south of the beach house.

A firewood permit must be obtained for each load at the property office, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays. Permits are not available on observed state holidays or on weekends.

Permit sales and cutting began Jan. 17 and end Feb. 28.

Wood may be cut and removed between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily, excluding weekends. For more information, call 765-344-1412.

Firewood cut at Raccoon SRA is for personal use only. All revenue from firewood permits will go into a fund for resource management.

The ban on transporting ash between Indiana counties is being removed because the emerald ash borer insect is now widespread.

Any ash firewood obtained at the property should be burned before spring (mid-April to early May at the latest) to help limit EAB movement within the area. EAB larvae are generally dormant in the winter — living under the bark — and emerge in late spring as adult beetles.

If you cannot use all the wood before spring (mid-April to early May), keep it completely covered while storing it.