Section 53.17. Cutting and removal of firewood from Commission property

(a) It is unlawful to cut or remove timber, trees, firewood or kindling from Commission property except in compliance with this section and the terms and conditions of a permit issued by the Executive Director or a designee.

(b) The Executive Director or a designee may issue permits to interested persons for the cutting and removal of dead firewood from Commission property when it is determined that cutting and removal is in the best interests of the Commission. The number of permits will be limited to prevent excessive cutting and removal and to better manage this resource.

(c) Firewood permits cost $10 per standard rough cord. A standard rough cord is a pile of stacked wood 4 by 4 by 8 feet (128 cubic feet, including air spaces).

(d) A permit will specify the number of standard rough cords that the permittee is allowed to cut and remove. The maximum quantity of wood that one household, that is, the permittee and persons who reside with the permittee, will be permitted to cut and remove is 3 standard rough cords in a calendar year.

(e) Fuel wood permits will be valid from January 1 to December 31 of the year for which it is issued. Under no circumstances will the Commission refund money to permittee because of failure to cut and remove the amount of wood authorized during the time specified.

(f) Wood harvested and removed from Commission property under a permit issued under this chapter shall be for the personal use of the permittee and the household of the permittee. It is unlawful to sell wood removed from Commission property under a permit.

(g) No live timber or living trees may be cut and removed from Commission property. In addition to the penalties provided for violation of this section, a person who cuts or removes live timber or living trees shall be liable to the Commission for the full commercial value of the trees or timber cut, destroyed, or removed.

(h) Permits are not transferable. The permittee shall be present when wood is being cut and removed from Commission property and shall assume full responsibility for cutting and removal.

(i) The Executive Director or a designee may place other terms and conditions on permits for the cutting and removal of firewood as he deems appropriate to promote effective management of this program. It is unlawful to violate terms and conditions set forth on the permit.

(j) The Commonwealth and the Commission may not be liable for accidents, injuries, damages or losses incurred or caused by the permittee in cutting and removing wood. A permittee shall agree to indemnify the Commonwealth, the Commission and their agents, employes, successors and assigns from and against liability regardless of cause, arising out of or related to the activities of the permittee under the permit.