There are 154 national forests in the United States, which cover around 193 million acres. All but 10 states, contain at least one national forest so it is very likely that you are close enough to at least one of them to cut your own firewood. Cutting your own firewood will cost you a fraction of what it will cost you to buy it from someone else.

In this article we’re going to talk about how to get a National Forest Wood Cutting Permit, some specific points to keep in mind while collecting wood in a national forest, tips to help you stay within the law and also keep you safe while doing it.

3 Steps to get a Firewood Cutting Permit

1. Determine what region you are in

The United States national forest is divided into 9 regions. They are numbered 1-10, but there is no region 7. In 1965 there were some changes that took place and region 7 was eliminated. This USDA website breaks down the individual regions.

2. Contact your nearest national forest district office

Call the office or go in for a visit if you know the number and address. If you don’t have that information already then google “Forest Service Office (your city and state)”. A USDA website should appear as an option. Follow that link to find the contact information for your local Forest Service office.

3. Buy a Personal Use Firewood Permit

On the sidebar of the website you will see a drop down menu for “Passes and Permits”. Follow that link, then click on “Firewood Permits” or “Forest Product Permits”. Depending on the region, you may have the option to buy a permit through the mail, at the Forest Service office, or possibly at another designated location such as a hardware store. If you don’t see those options, use the contact information on the website to call their office.

How much does a Firewood Cutting Permit cost?

The cost will differ between forests so please check with your National Forest office to see what permits they offer. Typically, a Personal Use Firewood Permit on National Forest lands is $5.00 per cord.

Remember that a cord of firewood is equal to 128 cubic feet of wood. Typically firewood is cut into 16 inch lengths and is tightly stacked in three rows, 4 feet high and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet.

Your National Forest office may have a limit on how many cords you can purchase. For example, on National Forest lands in Idaho, you can purchase a permit for no less than four cords ($20) and no more than twelve cords ($60).

Are there any national forests in the US that you can cut for free?

Actually, yes. Some national forests offer Free Use Permits. You can get one of these and cut down any dead wood in specified areas for no charge. You still need to get a free-use permit and carry it with you when you are cutting firewood. Free-Use areas are not always available, so be sure to check with your national forest office for complete details.

For example, in Coconino National Forest which is a 1.8 million acre US National Forest located in northern Arizona near Flagstaff, offers a free use permit. You’re allowed to cut up to 5 cords of down and dead wood in specified areas for no charge. A maximum of 5 cords per household per year is allowed. You still need to obtain a permit and check with local rangers because free use areas are not always available.

What is the Load Tag system?

Some national forests require you to fill out the Product Quantity Removal Record on your firewood cutting permit plus attach a tag to your load representing how many 1/4 cords you are removing. You must attach a tag before leaving your wood cutting site and it must be visible. Attach the tag(s) with a nail, tack, staple, etc, just be sure it stays on. You need to punch out the month, date, day of the week, and A.M/P./M. on each tag.

The other system does not include tags and is simply completed by filling out the front of your permit with your name, date, and load information.

Do all national forests have the same rules?

The short answer is “No”. The nine Forest Service Regions encompass a wide range of landscapes, native plants, flora, and fauna, so the rules are going to vary. Most regions include multiple states with diverse elevations and species of trees.

When you obtain your Firewood Cutting Permit you need to read it carefully because there may be certain restrictions within your area that you need to follow. Some restrictions may have to do with a certain species of endangered trees, or areas of the forest that are

being protected.

Your permit may also specify what stump height not to exceed, chainsaw restrictions during fire season, as well as the specific area you are permitted to gather firewood. Your permit may restrict you from gathering firewood within a certain distance from any running stream or private property.

You are only permitted to cut dead trees, unless you have applied and obtained a special permit.

You are also restricted from cutting a tree that is actively being used as a habitat for wildlife. Some signs of this would be a tree with a broken top, trunk holes, visible nests, or a mark or sign on the tree designating it as a Wildlife Tree.

What is the fine for cutting down a tree illegally in a national forest?

If you get caught cutting firewood in a national forest the cost is very expensive. At minimum you will pay $300. If you have wood in your truck, you will be fined for the wood and it will be confiscated. Remember the price to buy a permit for four cords is only $20, so take the time to purchase the required Personal Use Firewood Permit.

What is the penalty for failing to show your firewood cutting permit or failing to show ID?

If you are stopped and asked to show your permit, you will also be asked to show your drivers license. If you fail to show your permit you will be ticketed as if you are cutting illegally. The minimum fine is $300. If you fail to show your drivers license, you will be ticketed for not having your license. Any wood that you have in the back of your truck or trailer will be taken. Please have your permit and drivers license handy in case you need to show it.

Is that fine the same in every national forest?

You will see that the fines for cutting firewood illegally, without a permit, in any United States National Forest to be the same.

Do I need a Personal Use Firewood Permit for my campfire?

What if we are camping/dispersed camping in a national forest, can we pick up branches, logs, etc. and use them for firewood without a permit or is that illegal? If you are camping in a national forest you are allowed to burn branches and logs that you see lying around as long as you use them at your campsite. If you are caught with them in the back of your truck you will be fined for cutting firewood illegally. You can use an axe or even a chainsaw to cut the wood, but don’t take any with you out of your campsite.

Oftentimes dead and down trees are marked for wildlife. This means that the dead tree is providing a home for wildlife. This is important because that wildlife can help control insect and rodent populations. You are not permitted to cut that tree up for firewood.

What about trees on the side of the road in a national forest? Can you pick them up without a permit?

You do not have permission to load dead and down trees that you find on the side of the road into the back of your truck without a permit. Even though they look like an easy grab, go get your Firewood Cutting Permit first.

What if I have an accident while cutting firewood in a national forest?

It is best practice never to go firewood cutting alone. Always have a partner, especially if you are going to a location far out. If you have to go alone, tell someone where exactly you are going and when you expect to return. Carry a cell phone on you and make sure you are in a location that has good reception.

If you are all alone while cutting firewood be sure to pay extra attention to the 8 Tips I mention below. It’s not likely anyone will just happen to come by and notice you need help. Be proactive and prepare for an emergency before one happens.

What is the fine for selling Personal Use Firewood from a national forest?

Selling Personal Use Firewood from a national forest is illegal. I’m not sure what the fine would be if you were to be caught doing it, but I’m sure it’s not good.

Who enforces the Personal Use Firewood Permit laws?

Who is most likely going to stop me and check my permit, ID, and load? Law Enforcement Officers or a US Forest Service Ranger?

You could be stopped by any of a number of people in an official capacity who have the ability to check your permit, ID, and your load. It could be a National Forest Service Officer, a Fish and Game employee, a uniformed Law Enforcement Officer (LEO), who enforces Federal Laws and regulations governing National Forest Lands and resources, or even an employee of the national forest. They can’t all issue a ticket right then and there but they can take a picture of the violation and you will be issued a ticket through the mail.

Is my Personal Use Firewood Permit transferable?

What if something happens to me and I can’t use my firewood cutting permit, can I give it to someone else? Let’s say you bought a permit of 4 cords for $20. Then you get injured or are busy and just can’t get out there to fill your quota. What can you do? Well, you can’t get a refund. But, remember, it was not a huge loss. Just $20. You also can’t have someone stand in for you and use your permit. The name on the permit must match the person cutting it.

If you give your permit to a friend and his permit and load is checked, he would be fined for illegally collecting firewood in a national forest and his wood would be confiscated.

When is the most common time of year for people to cut firewood in a national forest? Why?

Most people go out as soon as possible in the Spring. At this time of year there are wind blown trees next to the road, which makes gathering firewood much much easier. Around Fall you will have to walk in off the road around 20-30 feet in order to get access to a dead and down tree. It’s much less work to gather wood in the Spring.

8 Tips for safely cutting firewood in a national forest

1. Check weather and road conditions before heading out.
2. If going alone, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
3. Practice good fire safety:
   • Carry a shovel and a bucket in your truck, especially during fire season.
   • Cool your chainsaw before refueling it.
   • Avoid spilling gasoline on the ground by using a funnel.
   • Before starting your chainsaw, move it away from the place you refueled it.
   • Carry a fire extinguisher in your truck in case of emergencies.
4. Examine the tree for rot and weak spots due to storm damage, insects, or fire and its surrounding area before you begin felling.
5. Wear proper safety clothing and equipment, such as: a helmet, gloves, steel-toe boots, goggles, hearing protection, and chaps.
6. Don’t fell trees in high winds.
7. Keep children, pets and other helpers, and vehicles a safe distance from your work area.
8. Always use a sharp saw.

Is it usually families or individuals who cut firewood in a national forest?

This varies, but typically you will see both individuals and families out there cutting firewood. Families make it an activity to work together at something beneficial for the whole family. Get everyone involved. Dad can be chopping while the kids are loading the truck.

Conclusion

Cutting your own firewood is super rewarding and a whole lot of fun and hard work! It’s also a ton cheaper than buying precut firewood from someone else! It’s simple to obtain a Personal Use Firewood Permit and not expensive either. I hope this article gives you a good picture of how to get your permit, what some of the rules are, and also the consequences to not following those rules. If you see something I left out that you think would be beneficial to me and others, please let me know in the comments below. Hope you have a great day and keepsmil:)ng!