Permits
Permits may be required when extra measures are needed to protect natural or cultural resources. Make sure to check ahead of time to find out what types of passes and/or permits may be required for different activities before entering the forest.
Forest Product Permits
The following actions are prohibited: Cutting, removing or otherwise damaging any timber, tree, or other forest product, including special forest products and forest botanical products without a permit.
Forest Products are forest resources that are used for personal, commercial, and scientific purposes. Examples include (Christmas trees, firewood, small tree, and other live plants, collections of cones, bark, conks, boughs, mushrooms, post and poles, rocks, etc.) except as authorized by Federal law, regulation, permit, contract, special use authorization, free use authorization, or personal use authorization. Please contact the Ranger District office you are interested in obtaining forest products from.
Firewood cutting permits allows firewood cutters to remove downed timber or to cut standing dead trees under most conditions. Firewood cutters are urged to use caution when driving and cutting in the forest, as both are potentially dangerous activities.
The funds generated by firewood permit sales go directly into road maintenance and salvage sale fund.
The Logan and Ogden Ranger Districts
Firewood Permits for the Cache County, Weber County, and Rich County areas are available around mid-June each year through fall. Permit to be used within authorized areas in the district that the permit was purchased from. Must purchase minimum of 4 cords for $30. Maximum is 10 cords for $75 per household. Permit is approved for both the Ogden and Logan Ranger Districts. For more information, please contact the either the Logan or Ogden Ranger Districts.
- Logan Ranger District (435) 755-3620, 1500 E. Highway 89, Logan, UT 84321
Permits allow you to collect dead and down and dead standing wood, in designated areas.
Minimum purchase is 4 cords for $30 – additional cords are $7.50
Maximum purchase is 10 cords per household for $75.
Map of cutting areas - Ogden Ranger District, (385) 405-7100, 6620 East 100 South, Huntsville, UT 84317
Permits allow you to collect dead and down and dead standing wood, in designated areas.
Minimum purchase is 4 cords for $30 – additional cords are $7.50
Maximum purchase is 10 cords per household for $75.
Map of cutting areas
Evanston Ranger District at (307) 789-3194 and Mt. View Ranger District at (307) 782-6555
Personal Use Firewood Flyer
Evanston Ranger District cutting area map
Mt. View Ranger District cutting area map
Heber/Kamas Ranger District at (435) 783-4338 or (435) 654-0470
Personal Use Firewood Cutting Flyer
Firewood Map
Post and Pole cutting flyer and map
Transplanting Flyer
Transplanting Map
Spanish Fork Ranger District at (801) 798-3571
Map of firewood cutting area
Ashley National Forest firewood cutting information
If you would like to purchase a firewood cutting permit electronically visit: Personal Use Firewood E-Permits
Cutting area maps are listed above.
General information:
· Permit is only valid for the Forest and District it was purchases for.
· Christmas tree permits are $20 each, one per household.
· Up to a 20-foot tree can be cut, tree topping is not allowed.
· Any species of evergreen may be cut on the Evanston-Mountain View District. Tree species may vary by location.
· No cutting in campgrounds, trailheads or administrative sites.
· Permits or trees may not be resold
· Permits sold by the Bureau of Land Management or the States of Utah or Wyoming are not valid on the United States Forest Service Managed Land
· Please see the Christmas Tree Regulations for more information and for the map of where a Christmas tree may be cut.
Where you buy a Christmas tree permit?
On-line at recreation.gov – Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Christmas Tree Permits ($2.50 fee will be added to on-line sales). Must either print the permit or have the permit on your phone. A payment confirmation is not sufficient.
Information for purchasing Christmas Tree Permits will be posted here by November 1, 2026
Evanston/Mt. View Ranger Districts: (307) 789-3194 and (307) 782-6555
Evanston Ranger District Map Mt. View Ranger District Map
Heber-Kamas Ranger District: Heber (435) 654-0470, Kamas (435) 783-4338
Heber-Kamas Ranger District general map of cutting areas
Map of cutting areas Highway 150 Map of cutting areas Strawberry
Logan Ranger District: (435) 755-3620
How to identify a Limber Pine on the Logan Ranger District
Logan Ranger District Christmas tree map
Salt Lake Ranger District: 801-733-2660
Christmas tree harvesting is only allowed in the Stansbury Mountains located in Tooele County. Juniper is the only species you are allowed to cut.
Salt Lake Ranger District, Stansbury Mountains map of cutting areas
Guidelines for Plant Collection:
- Following appropriate environmental analysis, commercial collection of native species (plants, plant parts, or seed-quantity, location and appropriateness) may be allowed.
- Except for Forest Service approved scientific or restoration projects, or cultural use, no collection of seeds or plants are permitted in Research Natural Areas, Special Interest Areas, Wilderness or recommended Wilderness, developed recreation sites, the Central Wasatch Management Areas, and within the Cache Box-Elder Management Area from mouth of Logan Canyon to Temple Fork and Tony Grove-White Pine areas.
The Salt Lake Ranger District has discontinued the rock permit program. Bureau of Land Management, Salt Lake District Office is issuing permits for their district. For additional information contact 801-977-4300.
Special Use Permits
Outfitter and Guide Permits
Outfitter and Guide Request for Information
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is seeking interest requests from individuals or organizations who wish to pursue outfitting and guiding opportunities on the Forest.
Outfitters and guides, who offer recreation experiences led by an expert guide to paying customers, are required to have a special uses permit issued by the USDA Forest Service to operate on National Forest System lands and waters.
The forest may consider the following services:
- Mountaineering
- Angling
- Backpacking / Hiking
- Backcountry Skiing / Snowshoeing / Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Education / Training
The Request for Information (RFI) is not a formal application process; it will help to determine the level of interest and identify next steps for issuing priority use outfitter guide special use permits. If sufficient competitive interest exists, the forest will consider the issuance of a prospectus. The forest will review applications through a competitive bid process and issue a limited number of priority outfitting and guiding permits under the Federal Lands and Recreation Enhancement Act.
The submission window is open through May 15, 2026. Interested individuals and groups should submit their interest requests via email submissions, but hard copies are also accepted. Read the full RFI and complete the attached Request for Information Form send to the e-mail address below.
Request For Information Question and Answers
For questions and submissions please contact us at sm.fs.uwc_info@usda.gov.
Does your outfitter-guide have a Forest Service Permit? For your protection, ASK.
Commercial outfitter-guides are required by law to have a Forest Service permit to operate on the National Forest. There are a limited number of permits available and businesses compete for them on the basis of their experience and qualifications, ability to service diverse publics, customer service history, financial capability, and other factors. Permittees are required to have insurance.
What are Outfitter and Guides?
There are many types of outfitted and guided services provided on National Forest lands. The traditional types primarily involve hunting and fishing in a backcountry setting, but today the industry is highly diverse and includes whitewater floating and jet-boating, backpacking, mountaineering, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, van touring, and dog sledding. Nonprofits and educational groups, such as schools and universities, are also frequently considered outfitters, as are those who use the National Forests for rehabilitation and therapeutic benefits.
I am an outfitter/guide. How do I get a permit?
Outfitter and Guide Information and Application
(100% of user fees are returned to the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest)
General information on event/commercial permits. Permits may be required for certain special activities, such as large groups, educational activities, or filmmaking. In general, permits are necessary for any activity that requires the forest to be altered in any way.
What are Recreation Events?
Recreation events are commercial activities requiring temporary special use authorizations for use of NFS lands. Examples of recreation events include, but are not limited to, animal, bicycle, motocross, or triathlon type races; jeep rallies; dog trials; fishing contests; rendezvous; rodeos; adventure games; youth treks; wagon trains; concerts; and other similar events. A permit is required for these types of events regardless of the number of people involved in the activity.
Recreation Events/Race Information and Application
(100% of user fees are returned to the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest)
National forests are a popular location for filming and still photography projects. Permits for photography and filming are required according to a project’s potential effects and unique requirements, rather than its commercial or non-commercial status. Review the requirements below to see if you may need a special use authorization for your planned activity.
Apply for a Permit
Filming and photography applications must be submitted at least 14 days prior to shooting.
When requesting a film or photography permit, include information that outlines the who, what, when, where, and why of your proposal to the Forest Service.
Filming and Still Photography Information and Application Form
Film and Photography Requirements
Filming, photography, and audio recording activities do NOT require a permit when:
(1) Your filming or photography is part of an activity that’s already allowed or authorized on National Forest System lands - and it won’t cause any resource damage. For example, filming a 5k race event that already has a permit or a wedding or family reunion.
(2) When your activity involves five or fewer individuals and meets the requirements summarized below:
Occurs in areas open to the public;
- Uses hand-carried equipment only;
- Does not require exclusive use of a site or the use of high visitation sites during peak season;
- Does not adversely impact forest/grasslands resources, values, or other visitors; and
- Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the Forest Service.
The Forest Service may issue a free de minimis use authorization:
A de minimis use authorization allows groups of 6–8 individuals to engage in low-impact filming or still photography on National Forest System lands without any costs. This authorization requires the group meet the same film and photography rules summarized in item 2 above (that is using only handheld equipment, no exclusive or high visitation site use, and no negative impacts on resources.)
Special Use Permit may be required if:
Filming and photography activities involve 9 or more individuals (including cast and crew). Filming and photography activities may impact National Forest System lands, resources or programs. Land use fees and cost recovery likely apply in these cases.
Review the Complete Requirements (16 USC 460l-6d)
Drone Use
If you would like to use a drone during filming, there are several criteria that must be met in order for drone use to be considered by the Forest Service. Individuals and organizations wanting to fly an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) on National Forest System Lands for work/business must meet FAA requirements. This includes news media and film and video production companies.
Meeting the following criteria will not necessarily guarantee commercial drone use permissions, however, having these items submitted at the time of the film permit application submittal can greatly increase the chances of be approved by the Forest Service.
- Small UAS Certificate of Registration (Federal Aviation Administration) of drone to be used during filming.
- Remote Pilot license (Dept. of Transportation/FAA).
Situations where a drone is prohibited:
- Use in designated Wilderness
- Use in association with any hunting activities
- Use within an active wildland fire area
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache is actively involved in the management of recreation residences as they are an important aspect of our special uses program and we view you as partners.
Recreation Residence Application Form (FS-2700 3a)
Self-Inspection Report (Appendix B_FS-2700-6B)
Historic Character Guide Recreation Residences
Recreation Residence Operating and Maintenance Guide
Non-Commercial Group Use Events
Permits are required for groups of 75 people or more, such as weddings, family reunions, large social gatherings, etc., excluding group sites in designated campgrounds. Non-commercial group use is not applicable within Wilderness. Applications should be received by the District Office a minimum of 45 days in advance.
Non-Commercial Group Use Application
Commercial Dog Walking
Operating commercial dog walking or pet care services on National Forest System (NFS) land without a special use permit is a violation of 36 CFR 261.10(c), which prohibits the selling or offering for sale any merchandise or conducting any kind of work activity or service without authorization. Anyone found to be providing commercial dog walking services on National Forest System lands in violation of this federal regulation is subject to citation or mandatory court appearance. Fines for unauthorized commercial dog walking start at $500.
Guidance for Scattering Ashes and Erecting Memorials on Forest Service Land
It is Forest Service policy to not permit commercial scattering of cremains on national forest system lands by flying services, mortuaries, or funeral homes. While there are substantial differences between a traditional cemetery and the scattering of cremains, our existing permitting authorities do not provide for the permanent use of the national forest system lands.
Neither burial nor scattering of ashes are an appropriate use of the forests and are not authorized. The placing of remains creates a permanent occupancy of the land and the placing of headstones or monuments documenting the location are similarly permanent. Placing of statues, flowers and other items of remembrance would be considered a monument.
The use of the national forests for these purposes would need a Special Use Authorization (36 CFR 250). In determining if an authorization can be issued, the proposed use or application to use the forest must pass the screening criteria found at 36 CFR 251.54.
However, burial of remains or scattering of ashes would not pass the initial screen found at 36 CFR 251.54(e) 1.iv; “The proposed use will not create an exclusive or perpetual right of use or occupancy” or the second level screen found at 36 CFR 251.54(e) 5.i; “The proposed use would be inconsistent or incompatible with the purposes for which the lands are managed.”
The Forest Service asks that you consider honoring the person or event in ways that do not have a lasting impact on the landscape or other visitors’ experiences. The Plant-A-Tree program is one such program which enables individuals, groups and businesses to have trees planted on National Forests to memorialize loved ones, commemorate births, weddings, anniversaries, or other events.