The U.S. Forest Service has lifted restrictions on logging companies on the Tongass National Forest because of a drop in forest fire danger over the weekend.
The agency issued a notice Friday May 22nd placing the Craig, Thorne Bay and Wrangell ranger districts on “Hoot Owl” restrictions. That meant loggers couldn’t cut or yard trees, blast or weld during the warmer hours of the day, from noon to 8 p.m. The three districts are the only ones with active logging operations on the 17-million acre forest.
Ted Sandhofer, a timber sale contracting officer for the agency, said fire danger dropped over the weekend.
Fire danger last week was very high and the Forest Service reported two fires started by lightning strikes. Parts of the region saw some showers and relatively cooler weather over the Memorial Day weekend.
