The following is a press release from the Mendocino National Forest:
The Forest Supervisor’s office in Willows will reopen to the public on Monday, Oct. 24. The hours for the front desk are 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visitor information will also be available by phone at 530-934-3316. Staff at the front desk will be able to issue firewood permits.
Due to the amount of hazard tree abatement completed this year, the Mendocino National Forest and the Chico Seed Orchard have an abundance of firewood available to those with a permit. Firewood permits are free this year. The Grindstone District has provided a map with locations of wood rounds at Letts Lake and Mill Valley.
FSEPRD1067576Beginning Monday, Nov. 7, the pedestrian gate at the Chico Seed Orchard will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except on federal holidays. These hours coordinate with sunrise and sundown after daylight saving ends on Sunday, Nov. 6. The hours for the drive-through gate remain the same throughout the year, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., except on federal holidays. Visitors are not allowed on the property after dark. Pet owners must have dogs on a leash at all times. Forest Order 08-22-02 and the associated map for public use identify orchard hours, parking and closed areas.
To get a permit and collect firewood at Chico Seed Orchard, please contact Orchard Manager Lisa Crane at 530-879-6627. The orchard is an active production facility with heavy equipment, and anyone collecting firewood will need to check in for accountability before driving through the orchard to pick up firewood.
