News Release

Media Contact: SM.FS.SWpressoffice@usda.gov

Court-Ordered Injunction Halts Fuelwood Permit Sales on Carson, Cibola, Gila, Lincoln, Santa Fe and Tonto National Forests

ALBUQUERQUE NM, September 26, 2019 - Under a recent court-ordered injunction, the five national forests in New Mexico and the Tonto National Forest in Arizona have suspended all permit sales for collecting fuelwood.

In addition to fuelwood permits, the six national forests have also suspended all timber management activities, including stewardship contracts, timber sales, thinning and prescribed burns, in order to comply with the ruling. Each forest affected by the injunction may be able to provide customers with a potential alternative fuelwood options in their area.

The federal court's ruling is related to the recent court-ordered injunction in the case WildEarth Guardians vs. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, et al concerning the Mexican spotted owl.

Southwestern Regional Forester Cal Joyner acknowledged the hardship that the implementation of the court order imposes on tribes and rural communities that depend on the national forests for their sustenance.

"Our staff is exhaustively exploring every possible option to come to a quick resolution so that we can continue to assist the communities we serve," Joyner said. "While we are limited on the details we can share while we are in litigation, please know that we will continue to communicate what we can regularly, and we are grateful for your support, understanding and patience."

The national forests impacted by the court's order remain open to the public for recreation and other activities. For the most up to date information from the Forest Service please go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r3/mso.

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