Forest Products Industry (non Timber)

Firewood permits are sold at local district offices June 3rd through Nov. 30th. Caribou-Targhee Terms and Conditions brochure for more information for rules regarding the gathering of firewood. 

Many people visit the Caribou-Targhee National Forest every year to collect firewood. These wood products are frequently used by local community for home heating, cooking and other critical purposes. You must purchase a firewood permit if you plan to collect firewood on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and haul it off Forest.  Firewood permits are for standing dead and down trees only. Remember, permits sales are final and not subject to refund.  Lost tags will not be replaced.

Where can you buy permits?

Firewood permits are available at Ranger District Offices and at participating vendor locations. You can also receive them by mail or curb side pick up by calling your local district office in advance. If you choose to have your permit mailed, please allow time to receive them before collecting forest products.

How much does a permit cost?

There is a 4 cord minimum purchase for the personal use firewood permits. The minimum permit is $25.00 ($6.25 per cord). You can buy up to 8 cords per household per year at $6.25 per cord.  With your firewood permit purchase, you will receive the permit, load tickets (minimum of 1/4 cord increments), and a Ranger District firewood map to help you locate firewood wood in an appropriate area. You must have a map and brochure of the Ranger Districts you will be cutting in and the Caribou-Targhee Terms and Conditions.

What is a cord of wood?

One cord of firewood measures 4ft. X 4ft. X 8ft. which equals 128 cubic feet and weighs approximately 2662 lbs. The average half-ton pickup can carry 1/2 cord of dry wood without overloading the vehicle. Remember to validate your firewood with load tickets before you leave the area where you cut.

Where can you go?

Not all lands on the National Forest are open to firewood cutting. Please consult the firewood map to be sure you are in an area where cutting is permitted. Remember that not all land within the Forest is publicly owned. It is your responsibility to be certain you are not trespassing on private land. Click on the links below for the 2024 firewood maps and other information for each Ranger District Office.

RANGER DISTRICT FIREWOOD MAPS:

Ashton/Island Park Ranger District:

• Ashton Area Map
• Island Park Area Map

Dubois Ranger District

• Firewood Handout
• Dubois East of Interstate 15 Map
• Dubois West of  Interstate 15 to Irving Creek Map
• Dubois West of Birch Creek Map
• Dubois West of Irving Creek East of Birch Creek Map

Palisades Ranger District:

• Palisades Firewood Map 1
• Palisades Firewood Map 2
• Palisades Firewood Handout 

Montpelier/Soda Springs/ Westside Ranger Districts:

• Caribou Firewood Map

Teton Basin Ranger District:

• Forest Products Handout

Commercial Use

All commercial uses of forest products require a paid permit. It is a commercial use when the forest product will be sold by the permittee. The rules for gathering and the availability of different products vary considerably. All those interested in commercial uses of forest products should contact the local district office for detailed information on products available and pricing.

Please contact your local Ranger District Offices for post and pole availability.
Ashton/Island Park has designated personal use post and pole areas. Maps are below:

• Baker Draw Post and Pole Area
• Big Grassy Post and Pole Area
• Green Canyon Post and Pole Area
• Griffel Post and Pole Area
• North Hatchery Butte Post and Pole Area
• North Hatchery Butte #2 Post and Pole Area
• Old Highway Trude Siding Post and Pole Area
• Chick Creek Road Post and Pole Area
• Reclamation Road Firewood Post and Pole
• Stamp Meadows Post and Pole Area
• Warm River Post and Pole Area

Other Forest Service Product Permits

In addition to the permits listed above, permits are also required to collect forest products that include, but are not limited to: transplants of trees and shrubs, boughs, seeds, stumps, willow cuttings, grass, roots, moss, and lichens.  Please check with the Ranger District Offices in the area where you wish to collect for specific information on items you may be interested in.

Commercial Use

All commercial uses of forest products require a paid permit. It is a commercial use when the forest product will be sold by the permittee. The rules for gathering and the availability of different products vary considerably. All those interested in commercial uses of forest products should contact the local district office for detailed information on products available and pricing.

Christmas tree permits are available now thru December 31. They can be purchased online through recreation.gov and from local Ranger District office. Permits are also available at approved vendors.

Visit recreation.gov to learn more about purchasing a permit online. An additional fee is applied for using this service.

Maps
Caribou Forest Map - Montpelier, Soda Springs, and Westside Ranger District
Targhee Forest Map - Ashton/Island Park, Dubois, Palisades, and Teton Basin District

While Traveling to cut your Christmas Tree please follow the Motorized Vehicle Use Maps (printed maps available at district offices).  The Christmas Tree flyer has some general information.