The Eagle Lake Ranger District of Lassen National Forest announced today that the agency will open up certain areas in Zone V to fuelwood cutting starting Saturday, July 4th. Some areas within the zone will remain closed until a later date.
The area being opened encompasses the intersection of County Road A1 with the zone boundary (Spaulding area), proceeding south on A1 to the intersection of Forest Road 21 (32N02), then proceeding west to County Road 105. From County Road 105, the boundary continues along 34N02 to the Mosquito Flat drainage, northwest to the District boundary, following the District Boundary Back to County Road A1.
This area is featured on the updated Fuelwood Cutting Map, available at the Eagle Lake Ranger District office, and woodcutters are urged to check the map to ensure that they are cutting in permissible areas.
“The wind damage we had last winter forced us to close this part of the Forest,” said Eagle Lake District Ranger Matt Boisseau. “Now that we have assessed most of the damage, we are opening up the areas not viable for timber sale to the public for woodcutting.”
Woodcutting is not allowed in timber sale areas or other commercial operations marked with ‘No Woodcutting’ signs. The remainder of Zone V north of Highway 44 will remain temporarily closed to allow timber salvage operators to capture any potential commercial value from the numerous wind-thrown trees on the site. Trees marked with paint outside of posted areas and may not be cut or removed, including those on the ground, with the exception of downed lodgepole pine.
Fuelwood cutters 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 allowed to leave a Forest road to gather firewood only if this activity does not harm natural resources. In some instances, drivers could be held liable for such damage.
Woodcutters should call the 24-hour number, (530) 257-4188, to find out if any current restrictions apply.
The price of personal wood permits remains $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.
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. For more information, call (530) 257-4188.
