C.O. firewood cutting season ends Nov. 30

With the recent onset of freezing temperatures and snow accumulations, federal land managers would like to remind the public that wood cutting season ends November 30 on federal public lands in Central Oregon.

This seasonal restriction is in place to protect roads that are more likely to be saturated with water during the period of December through April and to protect soils that could be damaged due to high soil moisture.

If woodcutting during the next two weeks, please be prepared for winter weather and winter driving conditions. Expect wet, muddy, or frozen roads. Take care to avoid getting stuck and creating more resource damage to soils and vegetation.

Wood cutting permits are still available at local Forest Service and BLM offices, and from some local vendors. Visit the local Forest Service and BLM websites for a list of vendors that sell firewood permits, or go here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprd3797861.jpg

The cost is $10 per cord with a minimum purchase of two cords. Each household may purchase a maximum of eight cords annually.

For more information, please contact Patrick Lair at (541) 416-6647 or plair@fs.fed.us