Carson Ranger District offers fuelwood permits beginning June 1

The Carson Ranger District will sell fuelwood permits beginning June 1.

Fuelwood gathering will continue through Nov. 12 in three different areas. They are Dog Valley, Hope Valley and Forestdale and the Leviathan area. The following rules apply:

- Beginning June 1, only down trees and logs less than two feet in diameter may be cut.

- Beginning Aug. 1 standing dead trees less than two feet in diameter may also be cut. The diameter measurement of a standing snag is taken at 4.5 feet above ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

Additional areas, including a seniors only area, may be opened later in the season. As these areas open, maps and rules specific to those areas will be available at any office that sells permits.

One fuelwood permit will be good in all areas with the exception of seniors only permits. Anyone 62 or older will have "senior" stamped on the permit, but seniors can also cut in any other open area.

The diameter restriction is to ensure that adequate snags and logs of the larger diameters are retained for nesting and cavity dwelling birds and mammals.

No falling will be allowed before Aug. 1 to ensure that disturbance is minimized to migratory songbirds and goshawks during their nesting season.

Permits will be available for purchase at the following locations:

Carson Ranger District, 1536 S. Carson St., Carson City 89701-5291; Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; 882-2766.

Markleeville Chamber of Commerce, No. 3 Webster St., Markleeville, CA 96120; Wed.-Sat. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; (530) 694-2475.

Interagency Information Center, 1340 Financial Blvd., Reno 89520-0006; Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., (775) 861-6500.

For information, call Orville Sundberg at 882-2766.