Silver City, NM, January 25, 2019— With the weather colder than usual in New Mexico, and communities surrounding the Gila National Forest are extremely dependent on fuelwood for heating, the Gila National Forest offices will be open temporarily on Wednesday, January 30 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for the express purpose of issuing free use personal fuelwood permits to the public. No other services will be available.

Offices that will be open include:

          Black Range Ranger District in Truth or Consequences, NM

          Glenwood Ranger District in Glenwood, NM

          Reserve Ranger District in Reserve, NM

          Silver City Ranger District in Silver City, NM

          Quemado Ranger District in Quemado, NM

Consistent with 36 CFR 223.5, free use personal fuelwood permits may be issued for people living within or immediately adjacent to the National Forest. All rules and regulations, including the Travel Management rule, must be adhered to. For a copy of the 2018 Firewood Guide, please go here.

Tags will not be issued, merely the paper permit. Law enforcement officers continue to patrol and enforce regulations, so if you are stopped by law enforcement please have your permit on your person.