11/18/2009 9:54:00 AM North Kaibab offers free fuel wood
Staff Report Grand Canyon News
FREDONIA, Ariz - The North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest is now issuing free, personal use fuel wood permits for green pinyon pine and juniper.
Permits are limited in number and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. They can be obtained at the North Kaibab Ranger Station in Fredonia with a limit of one permit per person. Last year's free permits expired on Oct. 8.
The permits are valid through Nov. 2, 2010, in the Ryan One area, and cutting will be allowed through the winter months. The permits allow for the removal of up to four cords of wood at any length from the designated free use units annotated on the accompanying map. The wood is for personal use only and is not authorized for commercial sale.
Designated cutting areas may be subject to occasional temporary closures. Closures may occur to protect soils and wildlife habitat, particularly during periods when the ground is extremely wet and rutting from vehicles could occur, and also to protect public safety. Additionally, no cutting will be allowed from May 1 through July 15 to protect migratory song birds, which commonly nest in the pinyon pine and juniper woodlands each spring and early summer.
The permits significantly aid in the implementation of the Ryan One Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project, which will enhance about 1,100 acres of mule deer winter range habitat upon completion. The reduction in tree density from these and future permits will increase the amount and diversity of wildlife forage, and reduce the potential of tree losses caused by disease and insects.
For more information about free, personal use fuel wood permits or the Ryan One Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project, please contact the North Kaibab Ranger District at (928) 643-8172.
