The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently announced that Tuttle Creek Lake is open for people to come and cut free firewood.
Paul Weidhaas, park ranger at Tuttle Creek, said anyone may come to cut firewood provided they only cut wood that is dead and already on the ground.
The wood is free and there is no limit to how much wood an individual can take. No standing trees may be cut, even if they are dead, because they provide shelter to animals, according to the Corps of Engineers Web site.
Weidhaas also said people should be careful not to wander onto private property and to contact the Corps of Engineers office if there is any question about property lines in the area.
Vehicles must be left on public roadways. No offroad driving is permitted, including all-terrain vehicles, so individuals must come prepared to haul the wood to their vehicle.
“Most people use wheelbarrows,” Weidhass said. “I’ve even seen some people with horses.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Web site instructs people to use proper safety gear when cutting wood, and advises not to cut wood alone for safety reasons. It also emphasizes that people do not resell the wood.
Questions may be directed to the Army Corps of Engineers office at 785-539-8511.
According to Paul Weidhaas, park ranger at Tuttle Creek, the memorial tree program has been in place for about 10 years.
Weidhaas said the ranger staff will assist families in picking the right spot for a tree, dig the hole and plant it for them, and assist in watering and caring for the tree for the first year.
Trees can be purchased from a tree nursery or brought in by families interested in dedicating a tree.
Those who wish to bring a plaque for the tree are welcome to do so.
It says on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Web site, “We wish to remember our loved ones in a special way, and the planting of a young tree offers a unique method of doing so.”
Weidhaas said that, so far, six trees have been planted by families at Outlet Park.For more information on the memorial tree program, or to make an appointment, contact the Corps of Engineers office at 785-539-851.
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