Roads open for firewood gathering

PLAINS – Chain saws and axes will soon be busy at work, following the opening of several roads for firewood gathering in the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District.

In total, the Ranger District has opened seven roads where firewood gathering will be permitted throughout the summer months in Sanders County.

Some of these roads will be open through September 1, and others will remain in use through October 1.

According to District Ranger Randy Hojem, individuals can buy and collect up to 12 cords of firewood.

Hojem added at $5 per chord individuals can purchase a permit for no less than four cords, for a total of $20.

Anyone caught gathering firewood on National Forest land without a permit will be assessed a fine.

The two gated roads slated to close in September are West Fork Crow Creek Road and Evans Gulch Road.

The remaining five will be closed to firewood gathering early in October. These roads are Chippy Creek Road, Bear Creek Road, North Fork Little Thompson Peak Road, Dry Camp Ridge Road in Clark Mountain Saddle and Cherry Face Road off lower Eddy Mountain Road.

Hojem stressed the importance of following safety guidelines when gathering firewood.

“It’s best to cut firewood with someone else,” Hojem said.

However, if the scenario of gathering firewood alone did occur, it is important to inform someone else of your location, in case of an emergency.

Hojem also noted the importance of chain saw safety and the inherent danger that comes from felling trees, urging individuals to exercise extreme caution throughout the summer.

Chain saw operators must have a serviceable fire extinguisher and shovel available at all times and chain saws must be equipped with approved spark arrestors during fire season.

“Make sure someone knows where you are at when you are gathering firewood,” Hojem said.

The district ranger also clarified that certain areas off the gated roads are off limits to those gathering firewood.

Privately owned lands off the gated roads are often marked by signs and fences and are not open to firewood gathering.

Individuals are urged to consult forest maps to ensure they are on public land and not unknowingly trespassing.

Additionally, active timber sales are also off limits to the seasonal firewood gathering. These areas are often marked with signs and painted trees and are also not open to public use.

The other area off limits to gathering off the gated roads are Riparian Forests, found along bodies of water and used for the protection and enhancement of regional water resources.

Those gathering firewood can avoid starting a fire or creating an environment conducive to a fire breaking out by following a few simple steps.

The National Forest Service urges individuals to leave their wood cutting areas clean, scatter debris away from roads, culverts and ditches, and take all garbage out of the cutting area.

Keep the saw well away from open flame when adjusting or fueling the saw and let any used saws cool for five minutes before refueling.

Carry gasoline in a metal safety can equipped with a spout and use a funnel to avoid spilling any gasoline on the forest floor.

Individuals are also urged to fire up their chain saws away from where they fueled the equipment and to remove oil and sawdust from all metal parts.

Firewood permits can be purchased at the Ranger District Office in Plains, the Conoco station in Thompson Falls or at Hot Springs Irrigation.

For additional information or forest maps of the area those interested are urged to call the Plains Ranger Station at 826-3821.