an afternoon in the forest...

[tpikaart]

Thought I'd post a few photos of today's trip to the Cibola National forest. This a huge hunk of land about 15 miles southeast of Gallup, NM. Firewood permit season started this weekend. A family can cut 10 cords on 2 permits each of which last for 2 months. In the past I've done all my year's cutting in the fall, but decided to get a jump on things this spring--and it seemed like a nice weekend to out in the woods! Our situation is a bit unique (well at least compared to many of you in the east) in that there are very few trees where I live (except the planted types--siberian elm, russian olive, etc.) but huge forests that are close by, but have the necessary altitude (about 7,000+) to grow lots of big trees. Ponderosa is predominant (and it's horrid for firewood) but the lower slopes contain lots of pinyon and juniper (much better, longer burning wood!) It's a great deal and lots of fun. What bugs me lately is seeing all the green trees that are cut--hope those who poached them get caught and don't ruin things for the rest of us...

So, here are some pics of the trip in, a nice standing dead pinyon to cut, the trip back, and re-filling the shed (or manger as my daughter calls it!)

 

[thewoodlands]

NMman nice pictures, looks like it was a nice trip. How many cord do you burn in one year?

zap

 

[tpikaart]

"How many cord do you burn in one year?"
I don't keep track very well, but...probably 5 or so. This winter was cold and long so we used more than last year. We've still got freezing temps at night and we were still burning at night last week, but I think it's time to quit.

 

[precaud]

Very nice, NMman. I was out in the Santa Fe Nat'l Forest doing the same thing yesterday. Gorgeous day.

One thing that bothered me a bit is, I'm seeing plenty of large standing dead pinon (many rotted beyond use) but not many smaller, younger ones. Made me wonder if this species is in the midst of a huge contraction, and if it will ever come back.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Wow! 5 cord? We only burn 3 here but perhaps you are talking about face cords rather than a full cord?

Good pictures. We've been in that area and it is nice.

 

[tpikaart]

No, that would be "real" cords. Cold nights here! We've got a big two story house and didn't use any non-wood heat this year.

 

[precaud]

Most folks don't see the big temp swings day to night as we do. Yesterday's high here was 74, last night's low was 37...