Permits

The 2025 firewood season will open May 1, 2025 and closes at the end of November. Each household may get permits for up to 8 cords annually.

2025 Central Oregon Firewood Synopsis & Maps

Deschutes-Ochoco Firewood Synopsis

The Synopsis contains the rules and regulations for all the central Oregon firewood areas: Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests, and Crooked River National Grassland.

You can get personal use firewood permits from one of our vendor locations. For those who plan to sell firewood, a commercial permit is required and can be purchased by contacting our offices by phone and a permit will be sent to you.

Supplemental Maps

For the Ochoco National Forest & Crooked River National Grassland:

• 2025 Ochoco - East & West
• 2025 Crooked River National Grassland
• 2025 Crooked River National Grassland - Grandview

For the Deschutes National Forest:

• 2025 Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District - North & South
• 2025 Crescent Ranger District
• 2025 Sisters Ranger District

 Firewood Cutting Rules

1) Permittee must be present and have in their possession:

• Permit
• Synopsis with map of the area where you are cutting
• Load tags
• Required Fire equipment:
  • Spark arrester 0.023” or less on chain saw.
  • Shovel - long handled, round point, 8” blade (size 0).
  • Fire extinguisher with a pressurized chemical of no less than 8 ounce capacity by weight.

2) A current year’s load tag must be validated by completely removing the month and day that you are removing the firewood. The validated tag must be highly visible at the back of the load, and displayed prior to moving the vehicle.

Previous year’s tags are not valid. One tag is required for every 1/2 cord of firewood, or any portion thereof.

3) Each household may obtain up to eight (8) cords of free personal-use firewood annually. Permit is for personal use only and cannot be sold, transferred or bartered.

4) Fill out Product Removal Record on your signed permit.

5) WOODCUTTING IS PROHIBITED in all posted timber sales, contract areas, developed campgrounds, old growth areas, research natural areas, riparian areas*, wilderness areas and all other areas posted closed to woodcutting.

*(Riparian areas are defined as land within 150 feet of water such as springs, streams, wet meadows, floodplains and overflow channels on the Ochoco National Forest)

6) Do not cut trees (standing and/or down) marked with paint, signs, wildlife tags, blazes or with any evidence of wildlife habitation such as nests or cavities.

7) Open and close dates, species authorized for removal and other restrictions vary depending on the specific designated firewood area. These restrictions are listed in the box above the individual area maps.

8) Woodcutting is authorized for dead trees only, or as specified on woodcutting maps. Some areas do not allow the cutting of standing dead trees. Be familiar with the map of your cutting area.

9) Where cutting of standing trees is allowed, stump heights may not exceed 12 inches. Maximum length of wood allowed to be transported is 6 feet. Remove all wood down to 3 inches in diameter for less waste.

10) Protect all green trees and other vegetation during falling and removal activities. Live trees and other vegetation may not be cut to create access to firewood.

11) The only power equipment authorized for use are: chainsaws, winches and hydraulic splitters, unless otherwise prohibited in specific cutting areas.

12) Woodcutting activity is permitted only within designated firewood area boundaries as specified on woodcutting map.

13) Cut and scatter limbs and tops so they lie no more than 12” from the ground. This reduces potential for wildfire. Remove all slash from roads and ditches.

14) Off road travel restrictions are noted on each specific cutting area map.

15) Woodcutters must comply with all road closures, seasonal road closures, and transport firewood in vehicles less than 26,000 lbs GVW.

In 2024, free use native plants and mushroom permits are now available. The permitting process for these special forest products is unique to each district so the public will need to choose the Ranger District they would like to visit and contact them directly for permitting information:

• Deschutes National Forest
  • Bend-Fort Rock RD:   541-383-5300
  • Sisters Ranger District:  541-549-7700
  • Crescent Ranger District:  541-433-3200
     
• Ochoco National Forest
  • Lookout Mountain and Paulina Ranger Districts:  541-416-6500
  • Crooked River National Grassland:  541-416-6640

Native Plants

Plants that are eligible to be collected for personal use are listed in the brochure, Collecting Native Plants for the Ochoco National Forest.  This brochure also outlines permit conditions and transplanting tips.  The brochure is available for free and can be downloaded here. The brochure is required to be present while collecting plants.  Under this free use program, there is a limit of 16 plants of which 4 can be trees.  Aspen is not available for collection.  Plants obtained under this free use program cannot be sold or exchanged (36 CFR 261.6(f)).  Commercial native plant collection permits may be available for those who wish to sell or barter native plants.  Contact Shawn Smith at shawn.m.smith@usda.gov or 541-416-6413 for more information on obtaining a commercial permit.

The collection of native plants is prohibited in the following locations:  campgrounds; recreation areas; wilderness; wilderness study areas; wild and scenic rivers corridors; research natural areas; tree plantations; river canyons, rimrock, and cliff features; fenced exclosures that are part of restoration projects; within 300 feet of lakes and streams; within 100 feet of springs, wet meadows, floodplains, paved and gravel roads.  Rimrock Springs Wildlife Area and Cove Palisades State Park on the Crooked River National Grassland are closed to collecting. 

All species of the following plants are protected under Oregon State Law and are prohibited from collection:  lilies – including camas, mariposa lilies, fawn lilies, 3 and 6 petal lilies; orchids – including lady slippers, bitterroot and primroses.  All Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive Species are prohibited from collection. 

The current Motor Vehicle Use Maps must be followed.  These maps are available to be downloaded for free here.  These maps can also be downloaded onto your electronic devices with the PDF Maps app available from Avenza.com. 

It is important to remember we are in Fire Season, please comply with fire requirements and current fire restrictions.

Mushrooms

Under this free use program, there is a limit of 2 gallons per day for 10 days.  All species of mushrooms collected as free use must be cut in half lengthwise at the time of harvest.  The most commonly sought mushroom in the spring on the Ochoco National Forest is the morel.  In past years morels are ready for gathering in May.  Be sure to know your mushroom before you pick it!  Remember not all mushrooms are edible and some are poisonous. 

Collection practices that are valid under this program include the hand collection of mushrooms (no raking or use of other tools that can damage the mushroom habitat) and the practice of not removing all the mushrooms from an area.  Effort should be made to not disturb the duff layer or the surrounding vegetation where the mushrooms are growing.  Mushrooms will return most every year if we harvest carefully and leave some mushrooms to mature and produce spores.  Like a seed, spores from mushrooms that are left undisturbed and allowed to mature, produce the crop for next year. 

Mushrooms obtained under this free use program cannot be sold or exchanged (36 CFR 261.6(f)).  Commercial mushroom collection permits are available for those who wish to sell or barter mushrooms.  Commercial permits do not require that the mushrooms be cut in half lengthwise.  Call 541-416-6500 during business hours to obtain a commercial mushroom collection permit.

The collection of mushrooms is prohibited in wilderness and research natural areas.  

The current Motor Vehicle Use Maps must be followed.  These maps are available to be downloaded for free here.  These maps can also be downloaded onto your electronic devices with the PDF Maps app available from Avenza.com. 

It is important to remember we are in Fire Season, please comply with fire requirements and current fire restrictions.

Do you want to collect larger quantities than allowed under free-use, or commercial quantities of SFPs?  If so, both charge permits and commercial permits may be available during this period.  Please contact your local SFP Coordinator identified at the bottom of the page to inquire about charge permits and commercial permits.

For general questions, or to inquire about a charge or commercial SFP permit, or to request a free use permit for “Other SFPs”, please contact Shawn Smith, Special Forest Products Coordinator, at shawn.m.smith@usda.gov or 541-416-6413.

Christmas tree cutting on the Ochoco National Forest has been a holiday tradition for many years. To help protect the future of this program, we ask that you take special care to read and follow the guidelines for collecting your tree and the instruction printed on your Christmas tree permit/tag.

• Purchase your Christmas Tree permit online
• Want to purchase a Christmas tree tag in person? Check out one of the following local vendors:

Permits may be Available at the following locations:

PRINEVILLE

R&R Grocery
940 SE Combs Flat Road
(541) 447-7231

Bi-Mart
2091 NE 3rd St
(541) 447-0391

MADRAS

Madras Bi-Mart
1575 SW Madras-Prineville Hwy
(541) 475-1394

Madras Chamber of Commerce
274 SW 4th Street
(541) 475-2350 

Finding the Perfect Tree

The most popular tree species used for Christmas Trees are Douglas-fir, White fir, Noble fir and sometimes, Lodgepole and Ponderosa Pines.

In general, pines can be found on flatter ground at lower elevations around Bend and on south and west facing slopes around Prineville. Firs and Cedars are found at higher elevations around Bend and Sisters and on north and east facing slopes around Prineville.

• How you collect your Christmas Tree can be half the fun... Try cross-country skiing into less accessible areas!
• Branches trimmed from your tree may be used as Holiday greens. Recycle!
• Check with your county landfill. Most will recycle trees free of charge through the end of January. (Commercial lots excluded. Please no tinsel or flocked trees.)

Guidelines and Restrictions for collecting your Christmas Trees

• One permit is required for each Christmas Tree....
• Five permits maximum, per household. Permits are $5.00 each.
• Cut your Christmas Tree only on National Forest lands.
• Select any tree species that is less than 12 feet tall.
• Only take a tree that is within 20 feet of another tree. Cut stumps shorter than 12 inches.
• Respect road and area closures. Motorized travel for the purpose of cutting your tree must comply with restriction found on Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps.

Please do not cut trees:

• On private property.
• Within 150 feet of state highways, picnic areas, campgrounds and other developed areas.
• Within 300 feet of streams and bodies of water.
• Within young tree plantations (nursery grown seedlings planted for future forests).
• Within designated Wilderness areas.

General Information on Special Uses

What are special use authorizations?

A special use authorization is a legal document such as a permit, lease or easement that allows occupancy, use, rights, or privileges of NFS lands. The authorization is granted for a specific use of the land for a specific period of time.

When do I need an authorization?

• If you will need to occupy, use, or build on NFS land for personal or business purposes, whether the duration is temporary or long term.
• If there is a fee being charged or if income is derived from the use.
• If an activity on NFS land involves individuals or an organization with 75 or more participants or spectators.

How do I apply?

Contact the Special Uses Coordinator to discuss your proposal and required paperwork.

Open Seasons:

• Recreation Event proposals: Applicants submitting a new proposal must submit a complete proposal 90 days before an event or planned activity.
• Outfitter and Guide proposals: Applicants submitting a new proposal must submit a complete proposal during two annual open season windows: 10/1-12/1 for summer activities and 2/1-4/1 for winter activities.

What does an authorization cost?

Cost Recovery Fees – An assessment of fees to recover agency processing costs for special use applications and monitoring costs for special use authorizations.  These fees are separate from any fees charged for the use and occupancy of NFS lands.
Land Use Fees – This is an annual rental fee based on the fair market value for the uses authorized and is payable in advance.  Fees are established by appraisal or other sound business management principles.
Other Associated Costs – You may be responsible for providing information and reports necessary to determine the feasibility and environmental impacts of your proposal; compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and terms and conditions to be included in the authorization.

USDA Forest Service Insurance Requirements

Importance of insurance requirements and how to prepare the Certificate of Insurance:

The terms and conditions of the Special use permit requires the permit holder to indemnify the United States against any liability for damage to life or property arising from the occupancy or use of National Forest System lands.  The permit requires the permit holder to have the insurance company name the United States Government (Forest Service) as an additionally insured party.  Also, the Certificate of Insurance and the insurance policy shall contain a specific provision to the effect that the policy shall not be cancelled or the provisions changed or deleted before thirty (30) days written notification by the insurance company to the U.S. Government, c/o USDA Forest Service.

A Certificate of Insurance must be presented to the Forest Service before a special use permit will be issued.  For long-term or high risk projects, the Authorized Officer may require that a copy of the actual insurance policy be furnished before the permit is issued.

The following acceptable additional insured clause shall be shown in verbatim on the face of the Certificate of Insurance or Binder and, as a clause or an endorsement in the insurance policy: “It is understood and agreed that the United States Government is an additional insured solely as respects liability arising from operations or the named insured.”  In addition, the following 30 day clause is also mandatory and shall be shown in verbatim on the Certificate of Insurance as well as in the insurance policy:
“It is understood and agreed that the coverage under this policy will not be changed or its provisions changed or deleted before thirty (30) days written notice to the United States Government, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, 3160 NE Third Street, Prineville, OR 97754, Attn: Special Uses Coordinator.” United States Government, c/o USDA Forest Service, Ochoco National Forest shall be listed in the certificate holder box.
If these clauses are not on the Certificate of Insurance in verbatim, and are not in the insurance policy or on an endorsement as stated above, a special use permit will not be issued. 
The amount of insurance required will depend on the degree of risk involved.  The Forest Service representative administering the special use permit will inform the prospective permittee of the required liability coverage necessary, such as (coverages show minimums and may be more depending on activities):

1 - $10,000 Property Damage
2 - $100,000 Death or injury to One Individual, and
3 - $300,000 Death or injury to more than One Individual
4 - $300,000 Combined Single Limit (CSL) 

If you are interested in holding a special event or conducting business on National Forest System lands, you will need a special use permit. Please email our Special Use Permit Coordinator Heather Jackson for more information.

Permits are required for noncommerical activities involving:

• More than 75 people (either as participants or spectators)
• Placement of infrastructure to support the event (tents, chairs, watering stations, etc.) 

Keep in mind for all events:

• Access for the general public to sites, trails, and/or roads must be maintained (no area may be closed or cordoned off).
• Wedding ceremonies may not be officiated by individuals who are paid for their services; this is a commercial service widely available off of National Forest System land.
• Throwing objects, including rice, birdseed, confetti, or lanterns or the release of helium balloons is prohibited.
• Candles or open flame are not allowed.  Campfires are not allowed unless in a designated campfire location.
• Overnight camping is not allowed unless at a designated campsite.
• No amplified music is allowed.
• Decorations such as crepe paper and balloons are prohibited.
• All litter must be disposed of properly. 

What is an Outfitter or Guide?

• Outfitters or guides on National Forests lands and Grasslands provide specialized knowledge, skills, experience, and equipment that general recreationists might not otherwise possess. They contribute to high quality opportunities for people to recreate on public lands regardless of their skill level or prior experience. The policy of the Ochoco National Forest and the Crooked River National Grassland is to limit the number of permit holders offering similar services to the minimum needed to serve the public demand. 

How do I apply to be an Outfitter or Guide?

• Proponents submitting a new outfitter or guide proposal must submit a complete application form during two annual open season windows: 10/1 to 12/1 for summer activities and 2/1 to 4/1 for winter activities to the District Special Use Permit Administrator. New proposal will not be accepted outside the open season windows. The preferred format for an application is a well thought out Business Plan. When the application is submitted two actions can occur: 1) the applications will be accepted and a detailed evaluation process will continue or 2) the application will not be accepted. Proponents of applications that are not accepted will be notified in writing that the Forest has not accepted the application and reasons the application wasn’t accepted. Proponents may modify applications and re-submit if desired. 

What is a detailed “Business Plan”?

• A business plan should include sufficient detail of your proposal that the Forest Service can make an informed decision whether to accept an application. At a minimum, the Business Plan should address these points:
• Business and contact name
• Address and phone number/email
• Background
• Proposed services
• Proposed locations and season of use
• Equipment provided
• Transportation of clients
• Proposed fees
• Evaluation of public need for this service
• Comparison with any similar existing services already under a Special Use permit 

What kind of fees will I have to pay to have a permit? 

• Fees for use of public lands to provide outfitter or guide services are determined by one of two methods. The permit holder may choose the option:
• Option A is based on an average client-day charge, which uses a schedule of rates to determine the fee. This option is useful if some portion of the guided trip is off the National Forest. Check with the District Special Use Permit Administrator for more details on this option.
• Option B is a flat fee based on 3 percent of gross revenue.
• Based on the assigned service days and your proposed client fee, the Forest Service will calculate an estimated fee for the operating year. A bill for will be issued for the estimate, or if over 500 dollars, payment may be made in two installments. At the end of the operating season, a reconciliation billing may be required. Permit holders are required to report use numbers, gross income, and other information on a monthly basis. The District Special Use Permit Administrator will determine what information needs to be reported. 

What is a Service Day?

• A service day is any part of a day that an outfitter or guide provides a service to a client on the National Forest. A half day fishing trip with three clients equals 3 service days. As a part of the permit, the Forest Service determines a set number of assigned service days. These days are available to use within the operating year. Additional service days may be available at the discretion of the Forest Service on a case-by-case basis. 

Who Do I Contact to get more Information on Outfitter or Guide permits?

• Ochoco National Forest Special Use Permit Coordinator Heather Jackson at: heather.jackson@usda.gov.

Recreation Residences have existed since before the turn of the century, when national forests were reserves and were administered by the General Land Office in the U.S. Department of the Interior. The first lots were authorized by the Forest Management Act of June 4, 1897, also known as the "Organic Act" to encourage public recreation. In 1968, in recognition of other recreation needs, the Forest Service decided against establishing any additional new tracts. In 1976, this moratorium was expanded to include no development of new lots within existing tracts.

The Forest Service Recreation Residence program gives private citizens the opportunity to own a single-family cabin in designated areas on the National Forests. They are commonly called "summer homes" or "recreation residences". These privately owned cabins (improvements) are located within formally established "tracts" on "lots" designated for that purpose and are authorized and administered under the terms and conditions of a special use authorization (permit). The individual owns the improvements but not the land.

Occasionally permit holders sell their improvements. The Forest Service does not handle the sale of recreation residences, nor does it keep track of those that are for sale. For more information on this type of permit, visit the national "recreation residences" page or contact your local Special Use Permit Coordinator.

Emergency services and public broadcasting/communication services throughout the nation require communications repeaters and towers. These sites are permitted by the National Forest under a special use permit. The locations of these are varied and are usually on high elevation sites. Any time a facility is improved, a new permit may be required. For more information on this type of permit, visit the national "communication sites" page or contact your local Special Use Permit Coordinator.

If you already have a special use permit and intend to make improvements, you may need an "Existing Use Permit". For more information on this type of permit, visit the national "existing uses" page or contact your local Special Use Permit Coordinator.

Using a National Forest System Road for commercial hauling is prohibited without a permit or written authorization. This use restriction applies to all commercial haul activity, not just activity directly related to Forest Service projects or operations

Examples of commercial vehicles that may need a Road Use Permit are logging trucks, tractor-trailer combinations, lowboys, yarders, chip vans, sand, gravel or cement trucks. This list is not all inclusive.

Please contact the Road Manager at the appropriate Forest Service office to obtain a Road Use Permit or written authorization.

Personal use permits may be obtained for collection of mineral material products such as: landscape rock for patios, walkways, walls and gardens and/or pit run rock for driveways and paths. 

For small quantities of personal use products, there is no minimum fee. For large quantities, or commercial use, a fee is charged.  

For most products, there are regulations covering when, how, and where collection is allowed. The intent of these regulations is to ensure continued availability and sustainability of our country’s forest resources.

For more information about how to get a permit, fees, product availability, or regulations covering collection, please contact the Forest Service office nearest your intended activity.