Get your chainsaws sharpened and ready because Zone V in the Eagle Lake Ranger District of the Lassen National Forest is scheduled to reopen for woodcutting on Friday, May 2nd.
Acting District Ranger Michael Green, who recently made the decision, encourages all woodcutters to be mindful of valuable tree resources and to exercise good judgment when participating in tree cutting activities. Green cautions that the illegal destruction of trees on the Eagle Lake Ranger District will not be tolerated.
“We view trees as very lively elements of the environment we move in. They improve landscapes and bring cool breezes and shade for many. They can also be used to produce fruit and amazing flowers. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, they also contribute towards making the environment greener and cleaner,” said Green.
Woodcutters are reminded to stay on roads and trails, as traveling cross-country with motor vehicles to scout for wood is prohibited. Even with a valid wood permit, woodcutters are only allowed to leave a Forest road to gather firewood, as long as this activity does not result in damage to natural resources. Failure to follow this advice could lead to unnecessary resource damage to roads and other Forest areas.
In some instances, drivers could be held liable for such damage. See the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs), available free at your local Forest office, for more information.
Zone V is shown on the Fuelwood Cutting Map, and woodcutters are urged to check the map to ensure that they are on National Forest land and are cutting in permissible areas. Zone V woodcutters are also required to call the 24-hour number, 530-257-4188, for current restrictions.
No woodcutting is allowed in timber sale areas or other commercial operations marked with ‘No Woodcutting’ signs. Trees marked with paint may not be cut or removed, including those on the ground, with the exception of downed lodge pole pine.
The price of personal wood permits remains at $10.00 per cord, with a minimum purchase of two cords per permit. Multiple permits may be purchased, up to a 10 cord limit. Personal use tags purchased on the Lassen National Forest are also valid on the Plumas National Forest and vice versa. Woodcutters should carefully read all materials included in each wood permit packet.
Permits may be purchased at the Eagle Lake Ranger District office, located at 477-050 Eagle Lake Road, near the intersection of Highway 36 and County Road A-1, three miles west of Susanville. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please call 530-257-4188 with any questions.
