Plumas National Forest Firewood Permits

The Plumas National Forest (NF) has a longstanding policy of allowing personal and commercial use firewood cutting and gathering from national forest lands.

Where you can cut:

Generally, the permit authorizes felling of dead trees within 100 feet of a Plumas NF system road or trail designated for wheeled motor vehicle use (See the Plumas National Forest Woodcutting and Christmas Tree Cutting Map [Plumas NF Woodcutting Map (Front - 9mb - pdf) and Plumas NF Woodcutting Map (Back - 9mb - pdf)] and the Plumas National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map) & removal of dead or down wood from the Plumas NF EXCEPT: 1-Areas closed to woodcutting as shown on the attached Woodcutting Map or posted as "Cutting Prohibited"; 2-Active commercial timber harvest or other commercial operations; 3-Forest Service recreation sites, trailheads, or Wild & Scenic River areas; 4-Dead trees or logs that are designated with paint or official Forest Service signs; 5-Within 200 feet of a railroad or transmission line; 6-Felling of hardwoods (dead or alive) on the Beckwourth Ranger District. Cutting live trees is prohibited.  In addition, the permit does not authorize cutting or removal of wood from private land. It is the permittee's responsibility to determine land ownership.

Daily Fire Restrictions:

It is the responsibility of the permittee to obtain the Woodcutting Status each day prior to cutting by calling 1-800-847-7766. Chainsaw use may be restricted or prohibited depending on daily fire restrictions.

Chainsaw Use:

Chainsaws shall be equipped with an approved spark arrester, and are subject to inspection by a Forest Officer. An approved fire extinguisher or round point shovel (overall length not less than 46 inches) shall be located within 25 feet of chainsaw operations or when using any type of portable gas powered equipment. Chainsaw use may be restricted or prohibited depending on daily fire restrictions. 

Motor Vehicle Use:

The permit authorizes permittees that are actively engaged in loading cut firewood to drive 100 feet off a NF system road or trail designated for wheeled motor vehicle use on the current Plumas National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map. This permit DOES NOT authorize off road motor vehicle use to scout or look for firewood material or driving beyond 100 feet off a NF system road or trail designated for wheeled motor vehicle use on the current Plumas National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map.  Motorized vehicle use off of NF system roads or trail is governed by the Forest Off-Highway Vehicle policy, existing Forest closure orders, existing road closures, or any Forest fire restrictions.  It is the permittee's responsibility to determine if and when they are allowed to drive off system roads to retrieve cut firewood. When driving off road, permittee must not damage or unreasonably disturb the land, wildlife, or vegetation resources.  Please be aware of any Forest fire restrictions and exercise caution when driving and parking your vehicle off road to retrieve cut firewood in or near dry vegetation.

Differences in Forest Woodcutting Policies:

Woodcutting requirements on the Lassen NF vary substantially from the Plumas NF & must be followed when removing wood within the Lassen NF (Lassen Zones 3, 4, or 5). Wood removal within the Lassen Zones requires the permittee to possess & abide by the Lassen Firewood Cutting Requirements & Lassen Firewood & Christmas Tree Cutting Map.

Firewood Tags and Transporting Cut Firewood:

The Plumas NF Woodcutting Map is made a part of the permit and must be in your possession during cutting and/or transporting wood. Personal use firewood permits are restricted to a maximum of 12 cords per person during the calendar year. Each load ticket (firewood tag) represents 1/4 cord of wood. Using an ink pen, the permittee is required to fill out the product quantity removal record on the permit with the date, time, and quantity removed prior to transporting your wood in order for the firewood tags to be valid.  In addition, each firewood tag must have the date and time of departure punched, must be securely attached to the load, and must be clearly visible from the rear of the vehicle. Permit, maps, & tags shall be available for review at the request of a Forest Service, CDF, State or Federal Law Enforcement Officer.

Additional Conditions and Restrictions:

Additional conditions and restrictions are listed on the Firewood permit. Please be sure to review all the conditions of the firewood permit prior to cutting your wood.

Purchasing your Firewood Permit:

Firewood Permits can be purchased at any of the three Ranger District Offices on the Plumas National Forest. Personal use firewood permits are $10.00 per cord with a minimum purchase of 2 cords per permit and a maximum of 12 cords per permittee per year. Commercial firewood permits are $10.00 per cord with a minimum purchase of 4 cords per permit and a maximum of 30 cords per permit.  Firewood permits include the firewood cutting regulations along with firewood tags and a firewood cutting map of the forest. 

For a more information regarding the Plumas NF firewood cutting policy, please visit your local Plumas NF Ranger District Offices.