Other Forest Products

Gathering pinon nuts is a local tradition on the Gila National Forest. No permit is required to gather up to one (1) bushel of pinon nuts for personal use. 

Pinecones, greenery (pine boughs, etc.), and dry agave, yucca, and century plant stalks are covered under this category. 

Sand, gravel, and decorative rock permits may be obtained from various pre-approved areas on the forest with a personal use permit. Digging in the forest for any purpose is not permitted.

Permits are required to remove vegetative material from the forest. These permits may be obtained from any of our six ranger district offices. Permit amounts vary depending on forest products and quantities taken. Permits that cover the removal of live plants are available year-round. These permits cover such things as agave stalks, yucca, cacti and other growing plants. 

Permits are usually available from mid-November until Christmas Eve. A permit is required for each tree cut and removed from National Forest System land. The pinon tree permit is free; any other species are $5.00 per tree. Non-traditional holiday season trees (century plant, agave, and yucca stalks) may be obtained with a Decorative Material permit. Christmas tree permits can be purchased online at Recreation.gov.

Firewood permits are available year-round. Personal fuelwood cutting permits are $2.00 per cord with a minimum purchase of $20.00. Poles, Vigas and Other Material Permits to cut posts, poles, vigas and other materials for personal use are available throughout the year. Permit costs relate to the quantity, dimensions and type of material needed.