The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG), Ouray Ranger District, has completed work to clear the area around the Raspberry Repeater/Communication Site for fire protection and maintenance.   As a result of this work, approximately 50 cords of wood (subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce and aspen) is available for “free use” firewood permit holders to remove. The wood is NOT available to commercial woodcutters and anyone removing the material is required to have a valid, current permit for national forest lands.  Free-use firewood permits will only be valid for the Raspberry Repeater site, with a 2 cord per person limit.  Permits can be obtained at the Ouray Ranger District located in the Montrose Public Lands Center.

The Raspberry Communication site is located along the Divide Road on the Uncompahgre Plateau. Those who avail themselves of this opportunity are urged to be cautious around the communication towers and their associated guy-lines.  Citizens are encouraged to gather this wood by mid-October. Any wood that remains after that will be part of a pile-burning operation.  Additional information, permits and directions to the area can be obtained by contacting the Ouray Ranger District in at the Montrose Public Lands Center.