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Show New h irewood Policy A new firewood policy for Dixie National Forest has been announced by Forest Supervisor Ed Fournier. The new policy is effective February 7, for all areas except the Teasdale Ranger District where the ' new policy will be initiated April 1, 1983. The new policy is in accord with National direction and in coordination with BLM and the State of Utah. It will require payment for the removal of most firewood. However, specific free use areas will still be available on the Forest. The major change for firewood gatherers will be a charge in many areas of $3.00 cord for conifers and apsen, and $5.00 cord for hardwoods such as oak and mahogany. The minimum charge for a permit will be $10.00. The new program will designate areas as either free, charge or closed. Free use areas will still be available on most districts on the Forest. For example, a large area near Escalante, Utah, will remain open for free use because of abundant supplies of firewood. This deadwood was recently created from an infestation of Pine Beatless which killed many of the older Ponderosa Pine trees in the area. Specific information about any other free use areas can be obtained from local District Ranger's Offices. The local charge program has been started as part of a nation-wide Forest gervice effort to, establish a more consistent firewood policy for all national forests. The demand for firewood on Dixie National Forest has increased greatly over the past few years. The personal use firewood program has grown, to the point where it is no longer a minor use of the forest. Some of the fees collected for firewood will be used to help pay for administering the program. A portion will be used to help improve and maintian roads used by firewood gatherers. In addition, a portion of fees collected will go to local counties for use in road and school programs. Permits may be obtained by mail for those unable to visit the Ranger's Offices during regular hours. Also some rangers will issue permits for1 other areas. For example, the St. George Ranger will be able to issue permits for Cedar Mountain. Those interested in gathering firewood from the Dixie National Forest this year should watch for specific information for the area-they want to use. Rangers will be announcing specific information to local news media as the firewood season approaches. |