Firewood cutting permitted on log deck at Flesher Pass

Logs decked near the Forest Service campground at Flesher Pass were opened to firewood cutters last week after Forest Service personnel determined the there was no market value in the wood.

Lincoln District Ranger Michael Stansberry said firewood cutters looking to collect wood from the stack need to have valid firewood permits, which are available at the Lincoln Ranger District office. Permits cost $5 per cord, with a minimum purchase amount of four cords. Cutters can purchase permits for up to 12 cords.

The logs in the deck were recovered from hazard tree removal operations carried out earlier this month near the top of the pass. Working in conjunction with the Montana Department of Transportation, Forest Service sawyers took down standing dead trees that had the greatest possibility of impacting Highway 279. Most of the removed trees had been killed during the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation that began about a decade ago.

For more information on firewood cutting and permits, stop by the Lincoln Ranger Station east of Lincoln or call 362-7000.