Forest Product / Woodcutting Permit
Woodcutting permits allow you to cut firewood on National Forest land. Any wood removed/transported from national forest land to private property must have a fuelwood permit. Permits do not transfer between National Forests and expire at the end of the year. With your permit you will be given information about the specific rules and regulations for the Eldorado National Forest including information about where you may cut. It is your responsibility to know where you are cutting, as well as, to know and follow the rules and regulations governing your permit.
Cost: Call for current cost. Normally, $5 per cord.
Quantity: Minimum 4 cords.
Season: Year-round. Permit expires on December 31 of the year purchased.
Size Limit: Standing dead trees less than 10 inches at eye level for all hardwood species (oak) and 20" in diameter at eye level for all softwood species (pine, fir, cedar) can be cut otherwise look for dead and downed wood. There is no cutting of standing dead trees from December 1st through March 31st.
​Woodcutting Areas
Periodically throughout the woodcutting season the Eldorado National Forest may identify concentrations of fuelwood not accessible from the roads designated on your Motor Vehicle Use Map. In order to facilitate the removal of fuelwood from these identified areas, Ranger Districts may establish Fuelwood Cutting Areas. As these areas are established, routes will be signed and maps can be obtained from Ranger District Offices or from the Eldorado National Forest website. Contact the Ranger District offices for information about current fuelwood cutting areas.
- Areas not permitted for Woodcutting:
- Wilderness areas
- Administrative sites
- Active timber sales
- Areas designated Sensitive or other areas as signed
- Campgrounds or within 150 yards of campgrounds, developed recreation sites or buildings.
Other Items
- Project Activity Level (PAL): To check for current level you can either call 530-295-5699 or check this link. No fuelwood cutting is allowed at PAL level "Ev" or "E".
- Requirements: A properly operating spark arrester system and a working fire extinguisher or long handled shovel are required.
- Third Party: Permittee may authorize a third party to cut and haul fuelwood for the permittee in his/her absence. This permit and the written Third-Party authorization must be in the cutter's possession at all times when cutting or transporting wood obtained under this permit. The Third-Party authorization may be obtained where fuelwood permits are issued.
To Obtain a Fuelwood Permit
- ​In-Person - Placerville and Amador Ranger District Offices.
Be sure you know the regulations affecting the area where you intend to cut.
- Road Access - Motor Vehicle Use Maps for designated motorized roads and seasonal closures are available at all Eldorado National Forest Offices and one will be given to you as part of your permit package. Motorized travel off designated roads and trails is prohibited.
- Parking along roads designated or authorized for public travel is permitted within one vehicle length from the edge of the road surface.
- Parking shall not block traffic or impede fire or emergency vehicles.
- Seasonal Road Closure: During the winter most of the forest is under snow and very little area is accessible. All dirt roads and trails are closed to motor vehicle use between January 1 and March 31. The Seasonal Closure may be longer if roads or trails are wet and susceptible to damage. This closure is intended to protect water quality and prevent rutting and damage to these roads and trails.
- Garbage: Pack-it in, pack-it out.
- Human waste must be disposed of at least 300 feet from any stream, lake, or other body of water or any recreational site, facility, or special use permit area and must be buried at least eight (8) inches deep.
- Fire season is typically between May 1 through October 15. The permittee must obey all applicable federal, state, and county fire prevention and control regulations.
- Fire restrictions may be in effect so check with the local office before your trip. Woodcutting may not be allowed.
- A Campfire Permit is required if you have or attend a wood, charcoal, or gas fire. These are free and can be obtained on line at www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/.
- If you elect to have a campfire,
- use an established camp ring or clear the area down to mineral soil for a distance of at least five (5) feet around the fire and remove all overhanging branches or other combustible material.
- The fire must be attended at all times. If the fire is to be left unattended, it must be COMPLETELY extinguished first.
Our forests are threatened by nonnative insects and diseases. Many of these pests can be transported long distances on firewood. Once transported to new areas, these invasive species can become established and kill large numbers of trees and shrubs.