District Ranger Ann Carlson has set the re-opening of Zone V for Saturday, May 19. Carlson would like to caution that although the area is to re-open to woodcutting, some roads could remain wet.

“We are concerned about public safety and resource protection. While driving on forest roads and gathering firewood, 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 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, providing this activity does not result in resource damage.

In some instances, drivers could be held liable for damage to resources. See the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), available at your local forest office, for more information.

Woodcutters are urged to check their maps to ensure that they are on National Forest land and are cutting in permissible areas.

Zone V woodcutters are required to call the 24-hour number, 257-4188, for current restrictions.

No woodcutting is allowed in Timber Sale Areas or other commercial operations marked with “No Woodcutting” signs. Note that no trees displaying paint may be cut, not even those blown over, with the exception of down lodgepole pine.

The price of personal wood permits remains at $10 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 valid on the Plumas National Forest and vice versa. Woodcutters should read carefully 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 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 257-4188 with any questions.