The Tonto National Forest has stopped selling permits to collect fire wood after the USDA issued a court-ordered injunction.
A federal judge ruled that six national forests, including Arizona’s Tonto National Forest, failed to manage activities that could jeopardize the Mexican Spotted Owl. One activity includes issuing permits to allow the collection and cutting of fuel wood.
The Wild Earth Guardians filed the case against the USDA in 2013 with the goal of implementing protection for the endangered owl. The conservation group said the bird has remained on the endangered species list because of agency inaction.
For now, the national forests affected by the ruling are allowed to provide alternative sources of firewood to those who need it.
