Personal-Use Fuelwood Season Begins

Sonora, CA — Starting Monday all Stanislaus National Forest offices will begin issuing this year´s Personal Use Fuelwood Permits, valid from April through November.

Although the Fuelwood season begins April 1, some Forest roads have not yet opened for vehicle travel due to current weather and road conditions.

A number of Forest roads will remain temporarily closed until drier conditions render them passable without causing damage to resources.

Early season woodcutters are reminded to contact their local Ranger Station to find out about wood cutting regulations, and current road conditions.

Forest managers are asking motorists to use common sense when driving Forest roads. Visitors are asked to adjust their driving to current weather and Forest road conditions.

Driving on soft, muddy, rain-soaked Forest roads can easily cause deep wheel ruts, possibly resulting in road damage and soil erosion.

Before heading out, fuelwood cutters should call 209-532-5601 or stop at a Ranger Station to find out if it is a permissible “cut day.”

Written by Sabrina Sabbagh