Firewood Cutting On National Forest Opens April 1st
Contact: Sue Exline (559) 297-0706 ext 4804
For immediate release.

North Fork, CA (March 13, 2010)... Beginning Wednesday, April 1st, firewood cutting and gathering season will open on the Sierra National Forest with permits available for purchase in Oakhurst and North Fork, announced Bass Lake District Ranger Dave Martin. "Permits are for cutting and gathering of dead and downed wood for personal use only. No green or standing dead trees can be taken under these permits," said Martin. Permits are valid for the Sierra National Forest only and are good April 1st thru November 30th.

Permit fees are $10.00 per cord, with a two cord minimum and a ten cord maximum purchase per year. A cord is the amount of split wood in a stack four feet wide by four feet high by eight feet in length. Woodcutters need to be familiar with the terms and conditions of their permit before cutting any wood. Violations of permit terms can result in the permit being revoked and a fine of up to $5,000 and/or 6 months in jail. Cutting firewood without a permit may also result in a maximum $5,000 fine and/or jail sentence.

The Forest Service Office in Oakhurst will open for the season beginning March 31st with the full range of information, permits and maps available. The Oakhurst office, located in the Yosemite SierraVisitors Bureau on State Highway 41, will be open Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.