Large volume of dead and down piñon and juniper; high clearance vehicle recommended

MIMBRES, NM, November 14, 2023 – The Gila National Forest, Wilderness Ranger District still has large volumes of firewood available for removal by permit in the McKenna Mesa area off of the North Star Road (Forest Road 150). Last year a contractor laid down material, mostly juniper and some piñon pine trees, making it easy to load up and haul away.

“We treated 2,400 acres of this area 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.”

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. 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. Firewood permits for 2023 are valid through December 31, and 2024 permits will go on sale January 2. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov.