Permits

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests manage resources to meet sustainable resource management objectives. Management protects natural resource values, public health and safety, and is consistent with the Forest land and resource management plans outlined in the Forest 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.

Forest Products Overview

Gathering Firewood

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests will continue to offer free personal use firewood cutting permits in 2025.  Those wishing to cut firewood in 2025 need to acquire a permit from a Forest Service office.

Permits are valid for one calendar year, from January 1 to December 31. Each permit is good for a maximum of 12 cords of firewood. Permits are available in–person by appointment or can be delivered via email or postal mail. Please contact your local Forest Service office for more information about the personal use firewood program and to acquire your permit.

Firewood Gathering Maps

2024 Palouse Ranger District Firewood Map

Personal use firewood permits allow for the removal of downed timber or the cutting of standing dead trees for firewood on most areas of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The permits are also valid on other National Forest System lands in the Forest Service’s Northern Region, which includes north Idaho, Montana, and parts of the Dakotas. These permits do not allow for the collection of posts, poles, and rails, the cutting of green trees, or any commercial harvesting. They also do not apply to collecting products on public lands outside of the National Forest System. Firewood cutting permits aren’t necessary for small amounts of campfire kindling. Firewood taken from National Forests is for personal use only and cannot be sold.

Remember to keep your permit with you at all times when harvesting and transporting firewood. Be prepared for your visit to the forest by being aware of weather and travel conditions in the area you are visiting and by bringing with you appropriate equipment and gear for your trip, including emergency preparedness gear. National Forest Visitor Maps ($14) and Motor Vehicle Use Maps (free of charge) are also available at Forest Service offices for your use.

Christmas Tree Permits

Christmas Tree Permits are available from October 12, 2025 until December 31, 2025. Individuals can cut up to three trees per person at a cost of $5 per tree. Permits can be purchased at local Forest Service offices or through Recreation.gov and are valid through December 31, 2025. Christmas trees cannot be cut that are visible from major roads, within 150 feet of streams and creeks, or in other well used areas. Trees must be a maximum of 12 feet high and cutting tree tops is prohibited.

Minerals  

Collecting rocks, say for backyard landscaping, requires a permit. Please contact your local Forest Service office for more information.

Collecting Other Forest Items

Special forest products are non-timber goods that can be found in the forest such as mushrooms, beargrass leaves, fern greens, pine cones, evergreen boughs and huckleberries. Because many of these items have a commercial value, they may be over-harvested if not managed. The forest has developed a Special Forest Products Plan to assure sustainable harvest of these resources into the future. The "Special Forest Products" brochure is available on-line or at your local Forest Service offices; click here to download.

It is always best to check with the District or Supervisor's Office before gathering/collecting items from the forest.

Harvesting Mushrooms

A free permit is required for Personal Use Mushroom Gathering. For more information, click here to download our Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Personal Use Mushroom Guide. Please remember: All mushrooms harvested for personal use must be sliced in half upon collection. Please see the Personal Use Mushroom Guide for more information.

Community Vendors

A variety of local community vendors sell Forest Service passes, permits, and maps during their regular business hours. Many of these vendors may be open when Forest Service offices are closed, such as on weekends and federal holidays. See below for a current list of vendors and the services they provide.