SILVER CITY, NM, November 8, 2024 – Many of us in the Southwest rely on firewood to supplement our winter heating, cutting down on our propane and natural gas bills. The Gila National Forest helps support local communities by making low-cost firewood permits available year-round, for only $20 per 10-cord purchase. However, a public preference for burning alligator juniper is resulting in widespread loss of these large, old trees from the landscape.
"We've witnessed a disturbing trend of people illegally harvesting live, old, alligator juniper trees from many locations across the forest," said Gila National Forest Supervisor Camille Howes. "Firewood is only a renewable resource when harvested responsibly. Once these grand old trees are removed from the landscape, they will not be seen again in our lifetime."
There are eight designated firewood areas where cutting of green trees is allowed, within size and species limitations. Outside of those areas, firewood removal is limited to dead material. Gathering is prohibited at night, in designated wilderness areas, Forest Service administrative sites, developed recreation sites, and other sites as described in the current year Gila National Forest firewood guide. Illegal firewood harvest can result in seizure of the firewood as well as vehicles and equipment used for illegal harvest activities, and carries penalties of up to $5,000 fines and/or six months in jail.
The Gila National Forest and its resources belong to all of us. Help protect your public land resources by reporting observed illegal activities. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or
