Fuelwood cutting authorized at Lamar Haines Wildlife Area near Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has authorized fuelwood cutting and removal — by permit only — at the Lamar Haines Wildlife Area near Flagstaff.

This opportunity will decrease the threat of wildfire, protect the area’s unique cultural and historical value, and improve wildlife habitat. The wildlife area is located about 12 miles northwest of Flagstaff, off Snow Bowl Road. More detailed directions will be provided to permit holders.

The fuelwood cutting season runs through Nov. 15. The permit is free and can only be obtained from the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s regional office at 3500 S. Lake Mary Road in Flagstaff. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (closed on holidays).

All permit holders must adhere to several requirements:

A high-clearance 4×4 (4WD) vehicle is strongly recommended.
Fuelwood cutting is only for dead and down wood. No live-standing or dead-standing wood may be cut.
All permit holders must sign agreement and waiver of liability forms, and carry the agreement form with them while cutting, gathering and transporting firewood.
Fuelwood cutting is for personal use only, and the wood may not be sold. The permit is only issued for the wildlife area. It does not include other department wildlife areas, public or private lands.
Vehicle access is authorized only within the wildlife area while actively engaged in fuelwood cutting and gathering. No off-road driving is allowed.
All permit holders must be 18 or older.

“The department has decided to provide this unique opportunity in an effort to maintain a healthy wildlife area, while giving the public the chance to collect free firewood,” said Rob Nelson, habitat program manager. “There is aspen that has been recently cut along the powerline, and we need help removing it.”

Lamar Haines Wildlife Area is owned by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and consists of about 160 acres of relatively undeveloped, old-growth forest and wet meadow. The property was originally patented under the Homestead Act by Ludwig Veit in 1892, and it was purchased by the Jenks family in 1928. It was acquired by the department in 1948 as a water source for wildlife on the southwest slope of Agassiz Peak.