October 21, 2020 3:25 a.m.

Staff with the Umpqua National Forest have resumed issuing all free, personal use permits and commercial permits to the public, utilizing virtual services such as e-mail and regular mail.

Mark Turney of the Forest Service said this is being done yo protect the health and safety of employees and members of the public while the Forest Service office doors are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Turney said the free firewood permit allows for the cutting of up to 6 cords for personal use. Customers needing free personal use firewood permits for the Diamond Lake, North Umpqua, Cottage Gove and Tiller ranger districts should send an email to: SM.FS.umpquapermit@usda.gov. The email must include the residents full name, phone number and residence address. Turney said all “free use” permits will be delivered via e-mail or U.S. Mail.

Those with questions should call their local Forest Service office during the regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The Forest Supervisor’s Office in Roseburg can be reached at 957-3200.