Boy Scout and Westside Bypass Roads opened for firewood cutting

SEELEY LAKE – The Seeley Lake Ranger District opened areas east and west of Boy Scout Road from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 for personal use firewood cutting. Firewood cutting is subject to all terms and conditions of the firewood permit.

The areas of special consideration are located in T17N, R16W Section 20 on the east of Boy Scout Roadd, west of Boy Scout Road to Westside Bypass Road in Section 18, 19, 20 and 29. While the area is scheduled to be open for the next month, it may be closed sooner if deemed necessary based upon wood availability or resource impacts.

Firewood cutters are expected to respect private lands and property boundaries and to comply with the Motor Vehicle Use Map available at the District at no cost.

The penalties for illegal cutting include a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual; not more than $10,000 for an organization and/or up to six months in prison.

Reminders:

• Do not cut live trees.

• Don't cut within 150 feet of riparian areas, such as creeks, streams, rivers, marshes or general wetlands.

• Cut only standing dead and downed lodgepole pine trees.

• No cutting of any standing dead Larch (tamarack) trees.

• Cutters are required to pile or scatter slash (branches) away from roads, ditches and stream courses.

• Complete the "product quantity removal record."

• Firewood cannot exceed six foot lengths.

• Do not drive off-road to cut or retrieve trees or firewood.

• Follow fire regulations for chainsaws and vehicles.

For more information please contact the Seeley Lake Ranger District Office: 406-677-2233