The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says that you are invited to cut certain downed trees at Brown County State Park for firewood, starting Monday and ending April 15.

DNR officials say that they need help removing several downed trees in areas where fiber optic line will be laid later this spring. Individuals willing to cut in those specific areas will be able to obtain a permit at no charge.

Officials say that some trees have died naturally, some have been taken down by DNR staff, while others were downed during storms. They say that specific trees will be available to cut and haul away for $10 per pickup truck load. The available trees are in designated roadside and public-use areas.

DNR officials say that a firewood permit must be obtained for each load at the park office. A permit can be picked-up between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Wood may be cut and removed between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., daily. All wood removed from the park must be for personal use only, say officials.

The DNR says that all revenue from these sales will be used for resource management and restoration efforts in the park. This includes the purchase and planting of replacement trees in campgrounds and picnic areas.

DNR officials say that the ban on transporting ash between Indiana counties is being removed because the emerald ash borer insect is now widespread in the state. However, rules for bringing firewood in to DNR properties remain in place.

For more information, call (812) 988-6406.