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 10th.
District Ranger Ann Carlson, who recently made the announcement, cautions that some roads in the area remain wet and care should be exercised.
“We are concerned about public safety and resource protection. While driving on forest roads and gathering firewood, please use good judgment, as the potential remains to get stuck in soft, wet areas,” said Carlson.
Failure to follow this advice could lead to unnecessary resource damage to roads and other Forest areas. 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. In some instances, drivers could be held liable for such damage. See the Motor Vehicle Use Maps, 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 lodgepole 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.
