For Release: September 17, 1998

Contact: Thomas Dupree 222-1414*

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management is accepting bids for the right to harvest from 60 to 80 cords of wood through the home fuelwood program conducted by DEM's Division of Forest Environment.

A total of 23 lots are available, including 15 lots in the George Washington Management Area in Burrillville and Glocester, and eight lots in the Arcadia Management Area in Exeter.

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 late 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 cutting improves wildlife habitat by removing undesirable trees along roads and trails, Dolan said.

Information and bid forms can be obtained Monday, September 21 through Friday, September 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the forestry division's George Washington Headquarters, Route 44, Glocester (222-1415 or 568-2013) and at its Arcadia Headquarters, 260 Arcadia Road, Hope Valley (222-1157 or 539-2356).

Bids relating to the George Washington Area will be opened Saturday, September 26 at noon at the George Washington Headquarters. Bids for Arcadia will be opened on Sunday, September 27, 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 23.

*Field contacts:

Paul Dolan, George Washington Management Area - 222-1415 or 568-2013

Jay Aron, Arcadia Headquarters - 222-1157 or 539-2356