Firewood Permits
Personal fuelwood cutting permits are $2.00 per cord with a minimum purchase of $20.00. Firewood permits are available year-round from any of the Gila National Forest Offices.
You must have your permit and load tags with you when removing firewood from the national forest.
A dead tree is defined as one having no live branches, limbs, needles, or leaves. You may not cut dead limbs from live trees.
There are size limitations on cutting and removing standing dead ponderosa pine (must be less than 12” diameter at root crown) and size and seasonal limitations on cutting standing dead oak or aspen (no bark or peeling bark; must be less than 9” diameter at root crown; and only from June 1 to September 30 annually).
Permits are valid for collection of standing dead or dead and down wood outside of designated firewood areas, except where prohibited. Cutting and removing firewood is not allowed in developed recreation sites such as campgrounds, picnic areas, group use areas, day use sites, overlooks, and trailheads; or within Wilderness Areas, National Recreational Areas or along National Recreational Trails; at cabins, lookout towers, or administrative sites; and specific localities including the Swensen Place, Gila River Bird Area, Fort Bayard Refuge, TJ Ruins, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Gila Visitor Center, and NM the State Highway 15 corridor.
Permit cutting, removing instructions, and maps for January 2 - December 31, 2025. There's a lot in there! If you need assistance, please contact the Gila National Forest Supervisor's Office at (575) 388-8201.
Live trees may be cut and removed, within the limitations described in the 2025 Firewood Guide, from the following designated firewood areas, organized by Ranger District:
Black Range RD:
Silver City RD:
Reserve RD:
Quemado RD:
Glenwood RD:
Wilderness RD:
Woodcutting Checklist
- Have Your Permit - This includes the printed permit, cutting and removing instructions from the 2023 Firewood Guide, Designated Firewood Area Maps from the 2023 Firewood Guide (if cutting green firewood), and removal tags.
- MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE TO PURCHASE A PERMIT. Designated cutters may be under the age of 18.
- Check road conditions and closures.
- Study the cutting area maps. Use National Forest Visitor Map and Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) to ensure you travel on authorized motorized roads.
- Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
- Recommend carrying a chain saw, an axe, wedges, shovel, fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit.
- Fill out “Product Quantity Removal Record” portion of the permit; mark your load tags and attach load tags in a visible location to the back of your load.