Deadwood Roadside Program

Deadwood is defined as standing dead trees and dead trees on the ground. The removal of these trees is allowed within the San Isabel National Forest, the Cimarron National Grassland and along National Forest System Roads (NFSRs) only. It is your responsibility to possess an accurate map to identify land boundaries and roads. Visit your local district office for a free motor vehicle use map or motor vehicle travel map or download a copy on our motor vehicle use maps page.

What to know when collecting deadwood

Keep in mind the following important conditions:

1. Motorized vehicles are allowed to park one vehicle length off an NFSR and are not allowed to drive off road or block traffic.
2. Collection of firewood is prohibited along county roads and state highways that run through National Forest System land.
3. Remove all debris from roadways and ditches, and scatter it in the surrounding landscape to lie within 24 inches of the ground.
4. Cut the stump within 6 inches of the ground.

Within the National Forest System land, deadwood can be taken where there is legal access with these exceptions:

• Do not collect firewood within 100 feet of stream courses, riparian areas, wet areas or bodies of water.
• Do not collect firewood in timber sale and contract areas that are posted with signs.
• Do not collect firewood in designated wilderness areas, research natural areas, campgrounds, picnic areas, ski areas or administrative sites.