Cortez Audubon Bird Count is Friday

The Cortez Audubon Christmas Bird Count will be Friday.

Meet in front of the Cortez Cultural Center at 25 N. Market St. at 8:30 a.m. to receive a route map. Pre-registration is not required.

Birders of all levels are welcome, and if a new birder wishes, he or she will be partnered with more experienced birders.

Bring warm clothing, binoculars, bird identification guides, snacks/lunch/drinks. Appropriate footwear is recommended.

Folks can come for the full day, or just part of the day. The count is held rain (snow) or shine, and will not be canceled because of bad weather.

Information: Carolyn Gunn at 882-7742 or carolyn.gunn@state.co.us.

BLM firewood cutting season ends soon

The Bureau of Land Management Tres Rios Field Office is offering fuel wood permits for the public to cut firewood through the end of 2014. Beginning Jan. 1, firewood cutting will not be allowed until April 16 on BLM-managed lands.

"In order to protect critical wildlife winter habitat and reduce impacts to roads when conditions are wet and often impassable, we are placing these restrictions on cutting firewood," said Brad Pietruszka, BLM fire management specialist.

The new BLM permitting system includes permits for $8 per cord, and the permits are valid for 90 days from the time of purchase. All permits expire on Dec. 31 of the current calendar year regardless if it was purchased less than 90 days from the end of the year. BLM fuelwood permits can be purchased at the public lands offices in Dolores and Durango.

Firewood cutting is not allowed within Canyons of the Ancients National Monument year-round.

Information: Call 882-6820.

The Dolores Star