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Forest Products Permits
Forest Product Permits
A variety of products ranging from fuelwood to edible delights are part of the category called Special Forest Products. Decorative floral greens, cones, mushrooms, boughs, rocks and poles are just some of the products which come from the forest.
The availability of Special Forest Products varies by location. Like other forest resources, they must be carefully managed to protect them and ensure a lasting supply for the future. Permits are issued for many products and a minimal fee may be charged. Contact a local District Office first to see if permits are required.
Incidental Use for Minor Products
For personal use, fees are generally charged depending on the amount taken. Some areas have special restrictions and some years vary, for instance, a spring following a large fire season, may require permits for personal use mushroom gathering.
Permits are not required for collection of minor forest products, such as flowers, acorns, nuts or dry cones, from areas other than designated recreation, research, natural or other areas closed to such activities. However, such collections are limited to small quantities for personal use; there can be no disturbance of surface resources; and the products must not be protected by State or Federal laws or regulations. View the guide below for amounts and additional information.
Do You Plan To Sell What You Collect?
If you plan to sell the products, a permit needs to be obtained from the local District Office.
Other Products...
Posts and Poles: People call about getting teepee poles, fence rails and miscellaneous small wood from the forest. These require a permit from the District Office.
Rocks: Collecting rocks, say for backyard landscaping, requires a permit. Please contact a District Office for more information.
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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.
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Mushroom Permit
Forest Product permits allow you to harvest mushrooms and other forest products on National Forest Land.
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Christmas Tree Permit
Adventuring out to a National Forest to cut a Christmas tree for the holidays has been a treasured tradition for many generations. A Christmas Tree permit is required.