Timber Cutting/Use Options

[realnice]

As the season for digging is approaching I am getting ready to finally get back to work at my claim after 2 whole seasons of no access:( (Look at my Sig Disturbance thread for more info on that) In my Plan of Operations I included that I will be fencing off part of my immediate work area with timber from the claim. Of course, as they have all along, the FS wants to make this an issue and turn it into a pain in my butt. I will be constructing a buck pole fence alongside 50 to 60 ft of my pit. They seem to think that I can use downed trees and If I need more than I'll have to wait for them to mark the trees which they will allow me to cut. This is a small fence and I would rather use the trees I want. I'm pretty certain that they have no right to restrict me in this way. Does anyone else use timber from their claim or have any experience with this?

FSM 2813.13b #2 States that I have the right to cut timber.

2. Right to cut timber on the claim for mining uses and for necessary clearing, except that timber cut in the process of necessary clearing cannot be sold by the claimant. The United States has the right to dispose of timber and other vegetative resources.

The FS continually seems to amend their own rules. Frustrating cannot describe it.




realnice

[realnice]

Leaonard - You can bet I already have their full attention . Again, read my significant disturbance thread to get an idea of that.(I'll be adding the rest of the info on things that have happened soon I hope...when I get less lazy) I have a Plan of Operations Submitted and signed and a bond. My plan for a partial fence is included within my approved POO.

russau - The problem I continually have with the FS, and that could be a pain, is that it takes them an extremely long time to get even the simplest tasks done. My claim is in a very wooded area and they have guidelines for cutting such as anything 6 inches in diameter or less, leave stumps no higher than 6 inches and use a chainsaw with a spark arrester on it. The amount of cutting for my small fence would in no way cause any significant disturbance and since it is approved in my plan I feel that it is one more way for them to try and impose their will. The District Rangers I have to deal with have taken an anti - mining and almost personal approach to dealing with me.
About the " a little sugar goes a long way"...you are preaching to the choir on that. I have made way too many compromises with them and honestly if you don't assert your rights with them then they will walk all over you and interpret the law any way they want.

Can anyone entering the National Forest cut dead trees for firewood??