SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Gila National Forest says it will allow people to cut firewood for personal use as long as they obtain permits after the federal government shutdown ends.
Forest officials said Monday they recognize that neighboring communities rely on the wood for heating and cooking.
The public cannot buy permits during the partial government shutdown because the forest offices are closed.
They cost $20 for four cords of wood. The forest also has areas that are free-use but still require a permit.
The forest says anyone cutting wood during the shutdown must buy a permit or obtain a free-use one at one of its six district offices after the government reopens.
It also will honor any firewood tags from a permit purchased last year.
