Big Island News: ‘OHI‘A TIMBER AND FIREWOOD AVAILABLE FROM SADDLE ROAD REALIGNMENT PROJECT

HILO – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), in conjunction with reconstruction of the Saddle Road from mileposts 11 to 19, is making harvested ‘ohi‘a timber and firewood available free to the public from December 19, 2009, through January 3, 2010.

Timber cleared from the Saddle Road project will be stockpiled in a forest clearing located approximately 250 feet north (Mauna Kea side) of Saddle Road at milepost 16 (Morita Camp).

Wood may only be removed from the stockpile at this location between these dates. There is no limit to the amount that may be taken from the stockpile.

No other cutting of standing trees or wood harvesting will be allowed along Saddle Road.

"The realignment of Saddle Road has required removal of trees in the Hilo Forest Reserve along the highway. DLNR would like to see these resources used as much as possible by the public instead of being bulldozed and sent to the landfill." said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson.

During the above-stated collecting period and location only, no harvesting permit will be required. For more information please call the DOFAW office at 974-4221.