A forest produces a variety of products which people can harvest, collect, and use for a variety of things. Depending on the forest product, and its use - gathering these items may require a permit.  

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Fuelwood (Firewood) Permits:

Personal Use Fuelwood (Firewood) Permits: As of July 1, 2023, there is a fee off $20 ($5 a cord/4 cord). Firewood permits expire a year from date issued. You must carry your permit with you when gathering personal use firewood and other forest products.

To obtain a permit or for additional information please visit or contact one of our offices listed below.

• Walker: 218.547.1044
• Deer River: 218.246.2123
• Blackduck: 218.835.4291

 

Balsam Boughs:

Balsam boughs are a very popular product for crafters on the Forest. Balsam boughs make excellent wreaths for your front door!  Permits for harvesting Balsam boughs are available at all Chippewa National Forest offices. $50 minimum permit for 2 tons. Limit 1 permit per company per year. 

Christmas Trees:

• Christmas tree permits can be purchased at Recreation.gov
• It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit.  Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.
• Chippewa National Forest Christmas tree permits can also be obtained through the mail by sending your request and payment made to USDA Forest Service ($5.00 per permit) to: Chippewa National Forest, Attn: Christmas Permit, 201 Minnesota Ave. East, Walker, MN 56484

Christmas tree cutting on the Chippewa National Forest has been a holiday tradition for many years. Many families begin their holiday season by cutting their own Christmas tree from the national forests. All you need is a $5.00 permit, sharp axe, thermos of cocoa and a little patience. Away from the holiday rush, families discover the peace of the forest surrounded by winter white. Christmas Tree Permits can now be purchased at https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/

Guidelines and Restrictions for collecting your Christmas Trees

• One permit is required for each Christmas Tree. Permits are $5.00 each.

• Per the Every Kid Outdoors Program, all 4th graders are entitled to one FREE Christmas tree permit with a valid EKO pass redeemed at Recreation.gov or by calling our offices.

• Christmas Tree permits must be validated and displayed when harvesting your tree.
• Cut your Christmas Tree only on National Forest lands. National Forest maps are available for sale.
• Respect road and area closures.

Please do not cut trees:

• On private property.
• Within 150 feet of state highways, picnic areas, campgrounds and other developed areas.
• Within 300 feet of streams and bodies of water.
• Within young tree plantations (Nursery grown seedlings planted for future forests).

Safety Information

• Always let someone know where you plan to cut.
• Bring additional warm clothing, a container of hot liquid, water, lunch or a few snacks as it always takes longer than expected.
• Carry a flashlight, chains, first aid kit, a hatchet or axe, good warm gloves, boots, and rope to tie your tree down.
• When you bring your tree home, immediately cut a 1 inch diagonal piece off the bottom. Place your tree in a container with a mixture of one part sugar to sixteen parts water. Keeping the container filled will help prolong the freshness of your tree.
• Locate your tree so it will not block exits, away from heat.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near any evergreen decorations. Use decorations which are noncombustible, such as glass, or which are flame-retardant. Keep natural evergreens and polystyrene decorations away from candles, fireplaces, and other open flames.

Maple Taps (spiles):

• Minimum permit: $20 for 80 taps @$0.25/tap
• Limit 1 permit per person per year
• Chippewa National Forest land only
• Permits can be obtained at any Chippewa National Forest office