Firewood & Christmas Tree
Cutting Permits — 2026 Guide

The US Forest Service sells low-cost personal use permits that allow you to cut dead and downed firewood or harvest a Christmas tree from national forests. Permits cost $5–$20 and are available at ranger district offices and recreation.gov. Learn the rules, limits, and where to get your permit.

$5–$20 per cord per Permit USFS Land Only Personal Use Only Seasonal Availability

What You Need to Know

Four Key Facts About Cutting Permits

Dead & Downed Wood Only

Personal use firewood permits authorize cutting dead and downed timber only — never standing green trees. Cutting live trees without authorization is a federal offense. The goal is forest health improvement by removing hazardous dead material.

Low-Cost Permits

Firewood permits cost approximately $5–$20 per cord depending on the national forest. Christmas tree permits are typically $5–$20 per tree. These fees go directly to the forest to fund recreation improvements and timber stand management programs.

Seasonal Windows

Christmas tree permits are sold during October – December in most forests — a narrow window before the holiday season. Firewood permits are available year-round in many forests, though specific cutting areas may have seasonal access restrictions due to wildlife activity or road closures.

Don't Move Firewood

Invasive insects such as the Emerald Ash Borer, Spotted Lanternfly, Gypsy Moth, and Asian Longhorned Beetle are spread primarily through the movement of firewood. Many states have quarantine zones with strict laws against transporting firewood across county or state lines. Always check state agricultural department quarantine maps before transporting firewood. The USDA's "Don't Move Firewood" campaign provides state-by-state guidance at dontmovefirewood.org.

Permit Types at a Glance

Firewood vs. Christmas Tree Permits

🪵 Firewood Permit

Typical Cost$5–$20 per cord

Annual Limit1–2 cords per year per household

Tree ConditionDead & downed only

SeasonYear-round (varies)

Commercial UseNot permitted

🎄 Christmas Tree Permit

Typical Cost$5–$20 per tree

Annual Limit1–5 trees per year per permit

Tree ConditionLive trees, size limits apply

SeasonOctober – December (limited)

SpeciesVaries by forest

Both permit types are governed under the US Forest Service's free use and personal use programs established in 36 CFR Part 223. Permits are issued at the local ranger district level, meaning rules, areas, and availability vary significantly between national forests. There is no nationwide portal — you must contact the specific ranger district for the forest you plan to visit.

Firewood Cutting in Detail

Everything About Personal Use Firewood Permits

Personal use firewood permits are available at most national forests and allow households to cut dead and downed timber for non-commercial home heating or recreational use. The permit authorizes cutting in specific designated areas — not the entire forest — so it is important to obtain a map of allowed cutting areas when you pick up your permit.

Rules You Must Follow

Only dead and downed material may be cut — standing snags are not authorized without specific language in your permit.
You must stay within the designated cutting area identified on your permit map.
No firewood may be sold or traded — personal use only.
Mechanical equipment (chainsaws, ATVs for transport) is typically permitted, but check your permit for any restrictions on equipment use in sensitive areas.
Pack out all debris and leave the area clean — do not leave brush piles, plastic strapping, or cut debris scattered.
Comply with all fire restrictions if using a chainsaw with a spark arrestor requirement.

Biosecurity Warning: Invasive insects such as the Emerald Ash Borer, Spotted Lanternfly, Gypsy Moth, and Asian Longhorned Beetle are spread primarily through the movement of firewood. Many states have quarantine zones with strict laws against transporting firewood across county or state lines. Always check state agricultural department quarantine maps before transporting firewood. The USDA's "Don't Move Firewood" campaign provides state-by-state guidance at dontmovefirewood.org.

Christmas Tree Cutting Guidelines

Christmas tree permits are sold for a limited season each fall at participating ranger districts. Popular forests in the Rocky Mountain region — including the Rio Grande, San Juan, Arapaho-Roosevelt, and White River National Forests in Colorado — sell thousands of tree permits annually and often set up convenient pickup locations. Species allowed vary by forest but commonly include Douglas fir, Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, and ponderosa pine.

Trees must typically be under a specified height (often 6–8 feet) and must be cut as low to the ground as possible to prevent hazards. In some forests, you are encouraged to cut multiple-topped or "bushy" trees that are growing too close together, which actually improves stand density. A permit often covers 1–2 trees per family, though some forests allow up to 5. Prices have remained remarkably stable at $5–$10 per tree in most regions.

Firewood & Tree Permits — Frequently Asked Questions

No. Cutting any timber or vegetation — including dead and downed wood — on a national forest without a valid permit is a federal violation under 36 CFR 261. Permits are inexpensive ($5–$20/cord) and easy to obtain at ranger district offices. Some districts may have designated "free use" areas where very small quantities can be gathered without a formal permit — check with your local ranger district to see if this applies.

Permits must be purchased from the specific ranger district that manages the national forest where you plan to cut. You cannot purchase a general USFS permit online that covers all forests — each district manages its own program. Start at fs.usda.gov, navigate to the national forest you want to visit, then find the "Wood Products / Personal Use" section, or call the ranger district directly. Some forests also sell permits through recreation.gov during peak Christmas tree season.

Christmas tree permits specifically authorize cutting live trees — this is the main difference from firewood permits. However, the forest may require you to cut only in designated stands, only trees under a certain height (typically 6–8 feet), and only certain species. You are encouraged to select trees that are growing in dense clusters, suppressing neighbors, or that are multi-topped, which improves overall forest health.

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle from Asia that has killed tens of millions of ash trees across North America since its discovery in 2002. It spreads almost exclusively by hitching rides in firewood logs, which look perfectly normal from the outside even while harboring larvae inside. Moving firewood even 50 miles can establish new infestations in previously clean areas. Most states have quarantine regulations restricting firewood transport from infested counties. Always buy or cut firewood near your destination and never transport it home across county or state lines.

Annual limits vary by national forest but are typically 1–2 cords per household per year for personal use permits. A cord is a stack of wood measuring 4 feet x 4 feet x 8 feet (128 cubic feet). Some higher-demand forests near population centers may limit permits to prevent overcutting, while remote forests may allow larger quantities. Commercial firewood cutting requires a separate timber sale contract and is not available under personal use permits.

Generally yes — motor vehicles are permitted on open roads and designated routes. However, you may not drive off-road to reach cutting areas unless the area is specifically designated for OHV use. Most firewood cutting areas are accessible by forest road. Your permit map will show which roads are open and which areas are designated for cutting. Always obey road closure signs and do not drive in wetlands, meadows, or other sensitive areas.