The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are committed to maximizing public services during the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring the safety and well-being of employees, partners and volunteers.
“We strive to provide quality public service while keeping our employees safe. Although our offices are not allowing visitors, we are serving the public over the phone, via email and through postal mail to answer questions and fulfill their administrative requests,” says District Ranger Mary Yonce.
The public can still purchase firewood permits. A firewood permit allows the holder to gather up to six cords of down and dead wood on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests so long as the wood gathered is for personal use only (i.e., it cannot be sold to others). Permits cost $20 and are good for one year from date of issue and currently may be purchased by calling the Lee or North River Ranger District offices and leaving a message with a phone number for a call back. Another option is to send a request to the email address below.
Visitor passes are also still available. The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Seasonal Day Use Pass, which provides unlimited visits to 11 day-use recreation areas for one year, is available for $30. The America the Beautiful Interagency Passes, which provide access to more than 2,000 recreation areas managed by five federal agencies across the Nation, cost between $10 to $80. The America the Beautiful passes are available for purchase online at https://store.usgs.gov/pass/general.html.
To contact the North River Ranger District Office:
Call: (540) 432-0187
Email: mailroom_r8_george_washington_jefferson@usda.gov
Or write to North River Ranger District, 401 Oakwood Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
For forest maps and publications, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/gwj/maps-pubs. For general about the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/gwj/ and follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GWJNF1.