REGIONAL— Looking for some free firewood, minus the cost of your labor?
The Superior National Forest is issuing free wood salvage permits for several parts of the Laurentian and Kawishiwi districts that were hit hard by a Sept. 7 blowdown stemming from microbursts from a severe thunderstorm.
The damage left thousands of trees down across roads and trails, with the worst damage concentrated around Seven Beavers and Stone lakes on the Laurentian district.
No damage was reported to the north of the Tomahawk Rd., but some areas just south of the Tomahawk did experience damage from the storm. Forest Service personnel have been busy clearing roads and campsites impacted by the storm.
Several roads in the area are included in the free permit offer, including:
• FR 112 Dunka River Rd.
• FR 113 Rd.
• FR 130 Moose Line Rd.
• FR 383 Bandana Lake Rd.
• FR 1491 Deep Lake Rd.
• FR 420 Cranberry Lake Rd.
• FR 118 Camp 26 Rd.
• FR 791 Rd.
• Kelly Loop Trail.
The free storm damage permits are available only at the Laurentian and Kawishiwi District Ranger Stations for select sites and each permit is limited to four cords. Year-round wood permits are available for $20 at any of the Superior National Forest offices. It is up to permit users to be familiar with the terms of the permits.