“This is just neighbors helping neighbors.”
On the Navajo Nation, firewood collection is often restricted to designated clan lands, and removing wood from another’s allotment is not tolerated. While some Hopi mesas have forested areas, wood is often scarce, and cutting live trees is discouraged by traditional beliefs.
To help fill the gap, volunteers and organizations are stepping up. The Coconino National Forest, which regularly thins trees to reduce wildfire risk, allows individuals and nonprofits to collect cut wood through its firewood permit system.
The National Forest Foundation (NFF) partners with the U.S. Forest Service to supply firewood through its “Wood for Life” program, managed locally by Sean Etsitty. The program recently suffered funding cuts, limiting its ability to serve tribal communities.
In response, a Flagstaff-based volunteer group, Sky Blue, expanded its grassroots firewood delivery effort. Led by longtime Navajo Nation science educator Bryan Bates, the group has delivered 28 cords of firewood this season to elders in communities including Moenkopi, Bacavi, Shungopavi, Cameron, Tuba City, Chilchimbito and Leupp.
“Meeting a basic need like warmth shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone,” Bates said, who initiated the program and would cut and deliver about four cords per season to villages such as Tolani Lake and Leupp. “This is just neighbors helping neighbors.”
Volunteers sourced wood from the Coconino National Forest and from trees removed at Lowell Observatory to make room for its Discovery Astronomy Center. Distributions are made without cost or expectation and delivered to village elders, who then share it among community members.
Participants in the Sky Blue effort include Bruce Auld, Bruce Donelson, Gary Lee, Frank Branham, Debbie Hill, Julie Elliott, Andre Potochnik, Russ Rouse, Charlie Silver and others. FBN
For more information about the Sky Blue, contact Bates at b2bates@earthlink.net.
Courtesy Photo: Sky Blue volunteers admire the pile of firewood they prepared to bring warmth to Hopi and Navajo communities facing fuel shortages.
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