BLM offers firewood permits at Lacks Creek

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is offering firewood permits at a specially-designated wood cutting area at Lacks Creek, northeast of Arcata.

Permits are on sale now at the Arcata Field Office, 1695 Heindon Rd., Arcata. They allow wood cutters to remove hardwoods that are already down.  Cutting live trees or standing dead trees will not be permitted.

The area will be open until July 3.  It could be closed earlier if fire dangers warrant.

The permits cost $20 and allow wood cutters to remove up to two cords. Additional permits can be purchase for $10 per cord.  The BLM will provide maps of the areas where wood cutting is allowed, and provide information on cutting regulations.

Wood cutters’ chainsaws must be equipped with spark arresters in good operating condition. The BLM also requires that wood cutters carry fully charged fire extinguishers.

“This is an excellent way for people to stockpile winter firewood,” said Hank Harrison, a BLM forester in Arcata.  “The wood is already down and it’s easy to get to.”

In addition to getting an economical source of winter heat for their homes, Harrison noted that firewood cutters help reduce wildfire danger in Lacks Creek by removing fuel that could feed a wildfire.

For more information, contact the BLM Arcata Field Office at (707) 825-2300.

Northern California District   355 Hemsted Drive      Redding, CA 96002