BLM offering free firewood permits in Alpine Loop avalanche paths
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GUNNISON, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Gunnison Field Office announced that free permits will be available for cutting and collecting firewood from avalanche slide paths on public lands along the Alpine Loop Backcountry Scenic Byway in Hinsdale and San Juan counties.
Last winter, avalanches resulted in large amounts of wood, debris, rocks, soil, ice and snow across roads in the area. These permits will allow the public to cut, collect and remove firewood from the slide paths.
“The avalanches left behind a large number of downed trees,” said Gunnison Field Manager Elijah Waters. “Some of the downed trees and debris are easily accessible for the public to salvage for firewood without paying a fee.”
In addition to wood collection along Alpine Loop roads, the public may collect downed firewood along Hinsdale County roads 20, 30, 35, 24 and 22. The public may also collect downed firewood within 30 feet of San Juan County roads 2, 4, 23, 24 and 110.
Permit holders should exercise extreme caution when cutting wood left in slide paths or in debris piles. Trees and limbs can be under pressure from other trees, and when cut, move unexpectedly. Dirt and rocks may damage saws. Limbs, root wads and unused woody debris cut away from logs should be piled away from roads and away from debris piles.
Permit holders are asked to respect private property and mining claims by not trespassing or cutting firewood on private lands.
While there is no charge to collect wood from these areas, a signed BLM permit is required prior to cutting and collecting. For more information on permits in Hinsdale County, please visit the Gunnison Field Office or call (970) 642-4940. For more information on permits in San Juan County, please visit BLM’s Silverton office or call (970) 387-9871.
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.