Natural resources staff from the Lassen National Forest continue to evaluate the extent of damage caused throughout the Forest by a major wind event earlier this month.
Moderate to severe blowdown of trees is being discovered across the forest, with many roads blocked and impassable. Crews are systematically working to clear away trees and debris and reopen roads, beginning with highways and main thoroughfares.
Forest visitors are reminded that they are not permitted to cut or remove trees to open roads. Additionally, wheeled motorized vehicles may not be used off-road, except to retrieve firewood, but not to scout for it.
Woodcutters should keep in mind that trees marked with paint or within areas where ‘Cutting Prohibited,’ ‘No Woodcutting,’ or similar signs are posted are also unavailable for cutting at this time. In accordance with fuelwood cutting requirements, temporary cutting restrictions could be put in place at locations throughout the forest. Violations of these requirements could result in a citation and/or fine.
Some administrative sites, such as buildings and campgrounds, were also impacted by the storm, and the Forest Service is making removal of standing hazards and downed trees from these areas another priority.
Forest officials would also like to stress the need to use adequate safety precautions while in the Forest. In addition to numerous windthrown trees on the ground, there are many hazardous standing trees that were weakened by the strong winds or ‘root sprung.’ Visitors should remain alert for these.
Forest visitors should also be aware that some roads are off-limits to wheeled vehicles from December 26th, 2014, through March 31st, 2015. These seasonally-restricted routes are identified on the Motor Vehicle Use Maps available at Forest Service offices and on the agency’s website at www.fs.usda.gov/lassen. These annual winter season restrictions allow for both visitor safety and natural resource protection.
Woodcutters are reminded that the Eagle Lake Ranger District’s Zone V (Zone 5) is currently closed to fuelwood cutting.
As a result of the blowdown, special opportunities will be available to both personal and commercial fuelwood cutters in the near future. These opportunities will be publicized as they become available. For specific information regarding conditions and woodcutting, please contact the appropriate district office:
- Almanor Ranger District (530) 258-2141
- Eagle Lake Ranger District (530) 257-4188
- Hat Creek Ranger District (530) 336-5521
