Fuelwood collection season extended until November 30

Addition of special collection area within the Lakes Basin

BISHOP, Calif., September 29, 2023 — Inyo National Forest is extending personal fuelwood collection season from October 31 until November 30, 2023, or until winter weather no longer allows for collection without resource damage.

Additionally, on the Mammoth Ranger District, there will be a special wood collecting area opened beginning October 2 for the 2023 fall season only in the Lakes Basin as a result of hazard tree felling operations near roads this year.

“This area is not depicted in this year’s personal use firewood map,” said District Ranger Fred Wong. “Because this is a highly used recreation area, we have special rules for this area that are different from the rules listed in the personal use firewood map.”

• Park off-pavement, however keep in mind that vehicle access and parking is only allowed one vehicle-length width from identified roads on the maps. Expect to transport rounds long distances by hand.
• Do not drive onto multiuser pathways or trails.
• Leave older logs that have been placed parallel and adjacent to roads. These are intended to prevent offroad travel.
• The Lakes Basin collection area may close for periods due to dangerous winter driving conditions.

A permit is still required, and may be obtained as long as collection officers are staffed at visitor centers:

• Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center in Mammoth Lakes; (760) 924-5500
• White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop; (760) 873-2500
  • Please note: closed Saturday, September 30.
• Mono Lake Scenic Area Visitor Center in Lee Vining; (760) 647-3044
  • Available for purchase only until October 31.
• Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center in Lone Pine; (760) 876-6200
  • Available for purchase until October 7 only.

Maps are available with a purchased fuelwood permit, and georeferenced versions are also available to download on the free Avenza app where users can navigate via satellite service within the forest to ensure their location.

Shut-down days for chainsaw use will be instituted based upon fire danger. Call (760) 873-2555 for this information (updated daily after 4:00 pm).

The Fuelwood Strategy (1998), remains valid. With the exception of decked logs at Sherwin Creek Tanks, downed logs greater than 30 inches in diameter are required to remain on the forest floor for wildlife habitat and recycling of nutrients. Permit sales are directly returned to the forest for continued implementation of this program.

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