Permits
The Monongahela National Forest manages resources to ensure sustainable ecosystems and resilient watersheds that are capable of providing a sustainable flow of beneficial goods and services to the public. Management protects natural resource values, public health and safety, and is consistent with the Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. In order to meet these objectives, permits may be required for the occupancy and use of Forest Service land. Additionally, passes assist in funding certain management projects.
Please contact the appropriate Ranger District Office for information on other permits not listed. Please call ahead of time to make an appointment for purchasing permits at our offices.
Recreation Permits
The Monongahela National Forest does not sell or distribute any recreation passes specific to the Forest.
We do issue the Interagency Passes. Interagency recreation passes cover entrance to Fish and Wildlife, and National Park sites. The passes also cover use of Bureau of Land Management, Reclamation, and Forest Service sites that charge a standard amenity fee.
Forest Product Permits
Firewood Permit
Wood may be collected only in specific areas and only with a permit unless collection is for campsite firewood use. An approved wood collection area map will be issued with each permit.
Ginseng Permits
Permits are required for digging and collecting ginseng on Monongahela National Forest. Harvest season is limited to Sept. 1-Nov. 30 by state law. Other regulations apply as well.
Rock Collecting Permits
The Monongahela National Forest allows for private, noncommercial, personal use rock collection. Flagstone or other dimension stone can be collected after obtaining a Rock Collecting Permit.
Christmas Tree Permits
Bring your family to Monongahela National Forest and create special memories as you cut your own Christmas tree.
Other Permits
Special Use
Filming, group use, and outfitter guide information.
Metal Detecting Rules
This page outlines allowable metal detecting activities, permits required, and what to do in the event that resources of archaeological significance are discovered while metal detecting.
Do You Need a Pass or Permit?
- When you are gathering a reasonable amount of edible material (mushrooms, ramps, etc.) for your own consumption.
- When you are camping in a dispersed area.
- When you are at a site that doesn't require a Recreation Enhancement Act Fee.
- When you are building a campfire on National Forest System lands you can collect a reasonable quantity of wood for the campfire without a permit.
- For some recreation activities:
- At most day use sites such as trailheads, picnic areas and river access sites
- Reserving a campsite
- For collecting fuelwood or Christmas trees.
- For collecting forest products for commercial purposes, including ginseng, pinecones or seeds, maple sap, etc.
- Special Use Permits are required for commercial and non-commercial use of NFS lands, including:
- Non-commercial events with 75 or more attendees
- Commercial recreation events where an entry or participation fee is charged
- Easements for electrical and utility lines including fiberoptic broadband
- Roads to access private property bound by National Forest lands,
- Research with effects on resources
- Commercial filming and photography
- Oil and gas pipelines, wells or holding tanks, etc.
- Minerals