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Show Ashley Forest proposes charge firewood program Ashley National Forest Supervisor James N. Craig announced this week that on April 21, the decision notice to implement a charge firewood program on the forest was signed. The environmental assessment report documenting the decision-making process is available for public review at the Forest Supervisor's office in Vernal and at the four Ranger District offices located in Manila, Vernal, Roosevelt and Duchesne. A 45-day review (appeal) period from the decision notice date is allowed. The new policy is scheduled to be implemented on June 1. A charge of $2.50 per cord, with a $10 minimum purchase, will go into effect. Charge and free use firewood will be available, in separate, specifically designated areas. An individual has the option of obtaining a charge or free use permit, or both if desired. Each permit, whether it is free use or charged, will specify only one harvest area in which the permit may be used. A limit of eight cords of free use firewood and eight cords of charge firewood is set for any one individual during a calendar year. Firewood harvesters will be required to complete a "load removal sheet" for each load removed. This will improve the accountability for firewood leaving the Ashley Forest. The Forest Service has identified some benefits which will result from the new firewood policy. By concentrating more wood cutters into fewer areas, fuel loading continuity ij broken up and the threat of a large wildfire is reduced. Big game habital can by improved by creating small openings, particularly in aspen and pinyon-juniper stands. Funds collected through permit sales will be returned to the firewood program to improve signing, road maintenance and administration. Each Ranger District office on the Ashley can distribute permits for any harvest area on the forest. The Forest Supervisor's office will not have permits available for distribution. Provisions are being made for districl offices on the Uinta National Forest and the Wasatch-Cache National Forest to have Ashley firewood permits available for distribution. Any comments or questions concerning the policy changes are welcome. Individuals can contact the District Rangers at any District office or Bill Price in the Forest Supervisor's office. |