BLM firewood cutting season ends Dec. 31

The Bureau of Land Management Tres Rios Field Office is offering fuel wood permits for the public to cut firewood through the end of 2014. Beginning Jan. 1, 2015, firewood cutting will not be allowed until April 16, 2015, on BLM managed lands.

"In order to protect critical wildlife winter habitat and reduce impacts to roads when conditions are wet and often impassable, we are placing these restrictions on cutting firewood," said Brad Pietruszka, BLM fire management specialist.

The new BLM permitting system includes permits for $8 per cord, and the permits are valid for 90 days from the time of purchase. All permits expire on Dec. 31 of the current calendar year regardless if it was purchased less than 90 days from the end of the year. BLM fuelwood permits can be purchased at the public lands offices in Dolores and Durango.

Firewood cutting is not allowed within Canyons of the Ancients National Monument year-round.

For more information, contact Pietruszka at 970-882-6820.