Butterfly Valley firewood gathering to be allowed

A special firewood gathering opportunity is available as part of a fuels hazard reduction project in the Butterfly Valley Botanical Area, according to Plumas National Forest officials. The area is normally not included in the forest’s personal use firewood program.

“With a special signed authorization letter and valid 2020 firewood permit (in their own name), woodcutters may gather or buck existing dead and down wood,” said Micki Smith, Mt. Hough District ranger.

Woodcutters may not cut or fell any standing live or dead trees, including all oaks. A map of the cutting area is supplied with the special authorization letter.

Other standard stipulations apply, such as not driving more than one vehicle length off a road, following the PALS fire hazard guidelines and other conditions as stated in the firewood permit.

This program will expire Dec. 31 or earlier if extensive resource damage occurs or violations of the letter and permit are observed.

More information about the program may be obtained by contacting the Mt. Hough Ranger District at 283-0555.

Other forest information is available at www.fs.usda.gov/main/plumas/home and www.Facebook.com/usfsplumas.