Firewood access open in Libby Ranger District

The Forest Service is announcing its fall firewood cutting areas that will be open in the Libby area. Several gated-road systems on the Libby Ranger District will be temporarily opened this fall to provide personal use firewood for area residents. A total of 10.32 miles of road will be open this fall.

A total of 6.5 miles of Redemption Ridge roads 2387, 2385 and 2389 will be open from Sept. 4 until Sept. 21. Those roads are located off the Wolf Creek Road 36 about 7 miles, take a right off Wolf Creek. and follow the signs. There are adjacent Plum Creek lands where firewood cutting is prohibited, these areas have been signed.

Nearly four miles of Barron Creek Road 4816J will be open as well. It is located about 13 miles off the FDR 228 road. There are also designated old-growth areas on all these roads. Old growth stands have been clearly marked in the field with signs where cutting of firewood is prohibited.

 Forest personnel will patrol the roads during the open season as outlined above. In order for the district to maintain this program, full compliance from the public is needed. Personal use Forest Service firewood permits are required. Provisions listed on the back of the personal use permits will apply in these areas. Firewood permits, instructions and maps for these areas are available at Canoe Gulch Ranger Station or the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Libby.

 Signs will be posted at road closure devices, indicating the road will be open during the dates listed above. The above roads could be closed on short notice if moisture conditions develop where damage to the road surface becomes a problem or during periods of extreme fire danger. The roads could be reopened when conditions change.

 For additional information contact Canoe Gulch Ranger Station at 293-7773.