Gathering firewood and other special forest products is a popular activity this time of year with firewood, mushrooms, post, poles and transplants being some of the most frequently sought products in the Tonasket Ranger District, according to a district announcement.
     A popular firewood gathering spot is the Summit firewood area near Mount Hull. Material available is from a timber sale that was logged last winter, according to the announcement.
     Decks of wood and some downed material are available with easy access of Forest Service Road No. 3525. Firewood signs are posted.
     Removing products from the national forest usually requires a permit.
     Firewood permits are available at the Tonasket Ranger District from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Vendors include Conconully General Store and Salmon Creek Market, both Conconully; The Junction, Tonasket; Prince's Center, Oroville, and the Shell station, Omak.
     Permits require a minimum purchase of $20. The minimum permit buys load stubs for four cords of firewood. Maximum allowed per household is 12 cord per year, according to the announcement.
     Post and pole permits are based on the board foot.
     Caution is advised while traveling the Forest roads, say forest officials, who added that soft roadbeds and washouts are a concern this time of year.
     "It is a good idea to take along someone who has gathered a product when heading out for the first time; their experience can be valuable," according to the announcement. "Please take time to read and follow the permit conditions. Ensuring that equipment is in good working order will also go a long way toward making it a positive experience."
     More information on firewood and other special forest products is available at 486-2186 or www.fs.fed.us/r6/oka/passes.