For Release: September 17, 1999

Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management is accepting bids from individuals for the right to harvest 35 to 40 cords of wood through the Department's Home Fuelwood Program.

A total of 15 lots are available for cutting in the George Washington Management Area in Burrillville and Glocester. In each lot, trees with two to four cords of fuelwood will be marked for cutting, following selective harvesting practices.

The right to cut the trees will be sold on a competitive bid basis, with a minimum bid of $10 per cord. A $1 filing fee will cover all bids by any individual, and should be included in a sealed envelope along with the bids.

DEM launched the Home Fuelwood Program in response to the energy crisis of the late 1970s, according to Paul Dolan, DEM supervising forester. The program has continued as a well-received initiative that benefits the environment and participants. The cutting improves wildlife habitat by removing undesirable trees along roads and trails, Dolan said.

Information and bid forms can by obtained from Monday, September 20 through Friday, September 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Forestry Division's George Washington Headquarters, located on Route 44 in Glocester, or by calling DEM at 222-1415 or 568-2013.

Bids will be opened at noon Saturday, September 25 at the George Washington 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 22.