Mimbres, NM, May 16, 2019—For Immediate Release. The Gila National Forest, Wilderness Ranger District has one temporary additional fuelwood area available on the district.

There are approximately 80 acres of small diameter juniper and mixed size ponderosa pine on the ground in Gatton’s Park, Unit 4. This area was being thinned through a Collaborative Forest Restoration Project to improve forest health, reduce fuels in and around the Upper Mimbres area, and improve wildlife habitat. Wood cutters may not cut dead, standing trees or standing green trees of any species or size due to wildlife concerns. The best access is off Hwy 35 near Mile Marker 17 where there is a jeep trail west of Spotted Horse Ranch. FSR 4085V & 4085U bracket the unit. This unit is available from May 15 – September 1. (Unit 4 map attached)

Rachelle Huddleston-Lorton, Wilderness District Ranger, stated “Ensuring that fuelwood is available to the public is a priority for the Forest. Opening this area will help provide this important resource while also continuing to help the agency achieve the reduction of fuels in this area”.

This fuelwood would be appropriate for gathering and is available through a permit for $5/cord with a four (4) cord minimum. You may purchase a fuelwood cutting permit through any of our district offices M-F 8:00 – 4:30 p.m. The forest wants to remind you not to block the highway or forest roads while gathering your wood.