For Release: September 10, 1997

Contact: Thomas Dupree 277-1414*

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - The RI Department of Environmental Management is accepting bids for the right to harvest from 80 to 100 cords of wood through the home fuelwood program conducted by DEM's Division of Forest Environment.

A total of 25 lots are available, including 15 lots in the George Washington Management Area in Burrillville and Glocester, seven lots in the Arcadia Management Area in Exeter and neighboring towns, and three lots in the Carolina Management Area in Richmond.

In each lot, trees with two to five cords of fuelwood will be marked for cutting, following selective harvesting practices. The right to cut the trees will be sold on a competitive basis with a minimum bid of $10 per cord. A $1 filing fee will cover all bids by any individual and should be in a sealed envelope with the bids.

DEM launched the home fuelwood program in response to the energy crisis of the early 70's, according to Paul Dolan, supervising forester, and it has been continued as a well-received program that helps the environment as well as the individuals who participate. "The successful bidders have the enjoyment of cutting their own firewood while improving wildlife habitat by removing undesirable trees along roads and trails," he said.

Information and bid forms can be obtained Monday, September 15 through Friday, September 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the forestry division's George Washington Headquarters, Route 44, Glocester and at its Arcadia Headquarters, 260 Arcadia Road, Hope Valley.

Bids relating to the George Washington Area will be opened Saturday, September 20 at noon at the George Washington Headquarters. Bids for Arcadia and Carolina will also be opened on September 20, at noon at the Arcadia Headquarters. Bidders must be present at the bid opening.

Successful bidders will have up to seven days to pay for the wood and may begin cutting after full payment has been received. Cutting must be completed and all wood removed from the lots by November 24.

Paul Dolan, George Washington Management Area - 277-1415 or 568-2013

Jay Aron, Arcadia Headquarters - 277-1157 or 539-2356