Residents interested in chopping up trees for free firewood have the opportunity again.

The Washington County Conservation Board approved their new firewood permit at their May meeting after conservation staff and the county attorney reworked the language of the permit to limit liability issues. Conservation Executive Director Steve Anderson comments on the new permit, “The most important thing of course is always one to make certain that we keep things as safe as possible and minimize Washington County’s liability as a result of their actions. In other words, we wanted to make sure that first off nobody did get hurt, and second of all if they did that Washington County would not be liable.”

The new permit is more restrictive according to Anderson, as it only allows holders to chop up trees that have already been cut down by conservation staff on the Kewash Nature Trail in the Willow Pond area. Former permit holders have been notified of the new permit, and those interested in applying for a permit can call Washington County Conservation at 319-657-2400.