Mimbres, NM, June 6, 2018—The two temporary fuelwood cutting areas, known as Gatton’s Park Unit 1 and Unit 4, on the Wilderness Ranger District of the Gila National Forest will be closing at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 10.

There are still ponderosa pine which has been cut in four (4) foot lengths on the ground in Gatton’s Park, Unit 4. This wood may be gathered by obtaining a fuelwood permit, and without using a chain saw, until Sunday June 9 at 11:59 p.m. Wood cutters may not cut dead, standing trees or standing green trees of any species or size due to wildlife concerns. The best access is off Hwy 35 near Mile Marker 17 where there is a jeep trail west of Spotted Horse Ranch. FSR 4085V & 4085U bracket the unit. This unit is available until Sunday, June 9 at 11:59 p.m. (Unit 4 map attached)

This fuelwood would be appropriate for gathering and is available through a permit for $10/cord with a two (2) cord minimum. You may purchase a fuelwood cutting permit through any of our district offices M-F 8:00 – 4:30 p.m. The forest wants to remind you not to block the highway or forest roads while gathering your wood.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila