The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is accepting applications for the annual state forest firewood lottery.

Applications will be accepted until Feb. 1, with the results of the lottery determined by March 15.

Standing trees and downed wood will be sold to the lottery winners in designated two-cord lots for $60 by DEEP foresters as forest road conditions allow. Permits will be issued by October.

The removal of any firewood from a state forest requires a permit. Personal protective equipment including a hard hat, eye protection and cut-resistant chaps or pants must be worn while cutting wood. Chainsaws have to be equipped with properly functioning safety devices including a chain brake.

DEEP reminds residents not to move firewood long distances as this poses a risk of spreading harmful wood boring insects that can kill live trees. The New Haven County Emerald Ash Borer quarantine requires all firewood in New Haven County to stay in New Haven County unless treated and permitted by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

For more information on the firewood lottery program and an application, visit: http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2697&q=429464&depNav_GID=1631 or call (860) 424-3630.