Large volume of dead and down pinon and juniper; high clearance vehicle recommended
MIMBRES, NM, June 5, 2023 – The Gila National Forest, Wilderness Ranger District worked through a contractor to thin overgrown forest in the McKenna Mesa area off of the North Star Road (Forest Road 150) last year. The project has resulted in a large amount of dead and down material, mostly juniper and some piñon pine trees, and the public is encouraged to remove it by permit.
“We treated 2,400 acres of this area last year for hazardous fuels reduction and improvement of wildlife habitats,” said Wilderness District Ranger Henry Provencio. “Another benefit of this treatment is the availability of the cut material to the public as firewood.”
A permit is always required for the cutting, gathering, and removal of forest products from the Gila National Forest. Firewood permits cost $2 per cord and a minimum purchase of 10 cords is required. Aside from firewood permits, several other types of forest products permits are available, including for edible materials such as piñon nuts; decorative materials, including pinecones or boughs, and dry yucca, agave, and century plant stalks; mineral materials, such as sand, gravel, or decorative rock from pre-approved source locations; live plant permits, for agave, yucca, cacti, and other growing plants; and Christmas tree permits.
Access into the area is off of Forest Road 150 to Forest Roads 4079C and 4079P. Road conditions are poor – a high clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov.