Sonora, Calif.,(Nov. 17, 2014)… Due to the Rim Fire Closure Order lifting, Stanislaus National Forest is extending the personal use fuelwood season through Dec. 15th of this year rather than the normal Nov. 30th cutoff date.

This extension is offered to the community as a courtesy to allow residents to take advantage of the formerly closed area before annual road closures go into effect on Dec. 16th. 

“Lifting the majority of the Forest Closure provides many opportunities,” says Jeanne Higgins, newly appointed Forest Supervisor, “and one of those is for residents to collect fuelwood from the burn area before winter really sets in.”

Current 2014 permits will now be valid through Dec. 15th, without a need for revalidation, providing permit owners still have tags.  Those without a current permit can obtain one at a nearby District Office, but please call in advance to check winter office schedules first. 

Fuelwood cutters are required to review and follow the terms specified on their permit, and to present their valid permit to Forest Officers checking for compliance.  Each chainsaw must be equipped with an approved, serviceable spark arrestor.  A shovel and approved, serviceable fire extinguisher must be readily available at the cutting site as well.  When hauling fuelwood, the number of the load tags applied to the load must be clearly visible from the rear of the load. 

Before cutting fuelwood, call (209)-532-5601 for a pre-recorded message, to determine if wood cutting is permissible on that day. 

For those seeking a fuelwood permit for the first time, the U.S. Forest Service charges $25 for a two-and-a-half cord permit.  Maps depicting the timber sale areas to be avoided during this extended fuelwood season should be obtained at District Offices prior to cutting wood.   District Offices can also provide information on other Closure Orders that are in effect.

For additional details, contact:  the Stanislaus Supervisor’s Office at:  209-532-3671; Calaveras Ranger District (RD) at 209-795-1381; Groveland RD 209-962-7825; Mi-Wok RD at 209-586-3234 or Summit RD at 209-965-3434.