Permits
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest manages many resources with the objective of caring for the land and serving people. Management protects natural resource values, public health and safety, and is consistent with the Forest land and resource management goals outlined in the Forest Plan. In order to meet these objectives, permits may be required for the occupancy and use of Forest Service land or resources.
The first step in applying for a permit is to contact the local district; Ranger District Office on which you need a permit. They will help determine if your request can be permitted and help you through the process.
Special Use Permits
Certain commercial and private uses of public lands require a "Special Use Authorization" through a Special Use Permit. These uses may include commercial photography, guiding tours, hosting events, conducting research, or maintaining a private residence in the Forest.
- All forest products (any plant, animal, or mineral) require a permit for removal, unless specifically exempted.
- Plant collection permits are required for digging plants. Note that no wild ginseng permits will be issued in 2021 due to continued declines and low population levels observed through monitoring and surveys.
- Permits are required for collecting edible material, decorative material, etc if used for commercial purposes
- Woody material, such as Firewood. We do not issue permits for Christmas trees.
Ginseng Permits
A permit is required for ginseng harvesting and is strictly regulated because of declines in the population of this plant on the forest. Find detailed information about the permitting process for ginseng harvesting on the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Mushroom, cones, berries, acorns or black walnuts
Contact the nearest District Office to obtain a permit for the gathering of small amounts of cones, mushrooms, berries, acorns or black walnuts on national forests in Georgia. Permits may include a minimal fee or even at no cost if forest products are for limited personal use.
The District Office can provide instructions for certain areas of the forest where gathering is not allowed, including wilderness areas, wild river segments, national scenic areas, experimental forests, and national recreation areas. We also encourage people to avoid gathering in riparian areas (the land bordering streams and rivers) because it could adversely affect the function of the riparian ecosystem.
Federal laws and regulations require permits if the cones, mushrooms, berries, acorns or black walnuts are to be sold or otherwise used for commercial gain. A permit is also required anytime the supply of any forest product becomes limited, when it has significant value, or gathering more than small amounts for personal use. The Forest Service may determine not to issue permits if it could negatively impact the population of these species.
Other Forest Product Permits
People like to gather ramps and other forest products in the national forests in Georgia. Federal laws and regulations require us to issue permits for the removal of any forest product, but getting a permit is a simple process. Please contact the local district office if you have questions about getting a permit for any forest product. This includes the following products:
- Annuals, perennials, misc plants (dug plants)
- Florist products
- Galax (leaves only)
- Hay, Grass
- Locust Posts
- Medicinal herbs – other than ginseng
- Pine Cones – decorative/craft
- Pine Cones – Seed collection
- Pine Straw
- Ramps
- Rhodo/Laurel Plants
- Rhodo/Laurel Rootstock
- Seedlings
- Sticks (eg. Laurel, Maple)
- Trees
- Vines
Minimum charge for personal use permit is $20.00.
Federal laws and regulations require the issuance of a permit for the removal of any forest product.
Firewood permits for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest are now available for purchase through a new online E-Permit system. Permits may be purchased by computer or mobile device at any time and eliminates traveling to your local Forest Service office. Firewood permits will still be available to purchase at local Forest Service offices and participating vendors.
Below is the policy set by each District Ranger for issuing firewood permits. Please contact the local district office if you have questions about gathering firewood or visit USDA Forest Service E-Permits.
Minimum charge for personal use fuelwood is $5.00 per cord with a minimum Permit value of $20.00.
Blue Ridge Ranger District
Blairsville, GA
Phone: 706 745-6928
Permits issued only for dead and down wood in specific areas approved on a case by case basis. No designated fuelwood areas.
Chattooga River Ranger District
Lakemont, GA
Phone: 706 754-6221
Permits issued for dead and down wood in specific location identified.
Conasauga Ranger District
Chatsworth, GA
Phone: 706 695-6736
Permits issued only for dead and down wood along the edge of forest roads and specific areas approved on a case by case basis. No designated fuelwood areas.
Oconee Ranger District
Eatonton, GA
Phone: 706 485-3180
Permits issued only for dead and down wood in specific areas approved on a case by case basis. No designated fuelwood areas.