Free firewood permits available at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area
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TUCSON, Ariz. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Tucson Field Office is offering free firewood permits for collecting downed wood at the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area (LCNCA) Oct. 29-Nov. 23, 2018.
During the collection period, interested persons may obtain a permit and collection area map during normal business hours at the Tucson Field Office at 3201 E Universal Way in Tucson or on Mondays between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the Hereford Project Office at 4070 South Avenida Saracino in Hereford. Both offices will be closed on Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
Due to the limited amount of wood available, a total of 20 permits will be issued. Each permit allows for collection of up to one cord of downed wood. After the wood collection period ends, the collection area will be re-evaluated. If wood remains available additional permits may be issued.
“As a good neighbor in the community, we offer wood from trees that we have downed to improve hunting access and provide better wildlife corridors,” shared Tucson Field Manager Jayme Lopez.
The mesquite firewood is available as a result of the BLM’s ongoing grassland restoration program at the LCNCA. Invasive mesquite trees are removed to encourage growth of native grasses and improve wildlife habitat for species such as the pronghorn antelope.
The 45,000-acre LCNCA is located 45 miles southeast of Tucson in Pima and Santa Cruz counties. The conservation area protects a landscape of rolling, oak-studded grasslands and lush riparian areas that contain several of the rarest vegetative habitat types in the Southwest.
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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.