Permits
Firewood permits for Chippewa National Forest are now available for purchase through a new online E-Permit system https://epermits.fs2c.usda.gov/forest/0903.Traditional firewood permits will still be available to purchase at local Forest Service offices.
Firewood permits for Chippewa National Forest are now available for purchase through a new online E-Permit system https://epermits.fs2c.usda.gov/forest/0903.A flexible and convenient service, permits can be purchased online or via mobile device, eliminating the need to visit a Forest Service office.
Traditional firewood permits will still be available to purchase at local Forest Service offices. Personal Use Fuelwood (Firewood) Permits: Fee of $20 ($5 a cord/4 cord). Firewood permits expire a year from date issued. You must carry your permit with you when gathering personal use firewood and other forest products. To obtain a permit or for additional information please visit or contact one of our offices listed below. Walker: 218.547.1044, Deer River: 218.246.2123, Blackduck: 218.835.4291.
A FIREWOOD RESTRICTION ORDER issued by the Forest Supervisor bans the possession, storage, or transport of any firewood that originates from outside the state of Minnesota. Read the Closure Order for more information.
Firewood Movement and Forest Pests
- Movement of firewood has been closely associated with the spread of several very damaging forest pests, including the emerald ash borer (EAB), Sirex wood wasp, gypsy moth, Asian long-horned beetle, and a number of other wood-boring insects, plus decay and wood-stain fungi as well as the pathogens that cause Dutch elm disease, oak wilt, and sudden oak death.
- Firewood is a prime candidate for movement of forest pests into new areas since, unlike other forest products such as nursery stock and lumber, the movement of firewood is largely unregulated because it relies heavily on individuals and small operations that come and go.
- Minnesota forests are at particular risk from EAB. Minnesota has the third largest volume of ash timber in the nation and ash trees were used extensively as street trees to replace elms lost to Dutch elm disease in the '70s and '80s.
- EAB is a tiny bug that is devastating forests and neighborhood trees in Canada and several of Minnesota's neighboring states. To date, EAB has killed more than 20 million ash trees and infested over 40,000 square miles in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and parts of Canada.
- Picture this: Insect pests spread at a rate of about 0.5 to 2 miles per year on their own. When they are carried on firewood, their spread rate jumps to 55 miles per hour.
What Can I Do to Help "Slow the Spread"?
- When camping or picnicking in the Chippewa National Forest, find a DNR approved firewood vendor near your destination, be sure to keep your receipt to show proof of purchase.
- In some CNF campgrounds certified wood is available on site. See the Campground Host for more information.
- If you plan to camp in state parks or forests check with the state park or state forest campground before you leave home to make sure you know the latest recommendations and regulations on firewood movement to and within Minnesota.
For more information on EAB:
- Emerald Ash Borer Information Network
- Emerald Ash Borer Program | Minnesota Department of Agriculture (state.mn.us)
Certified Firewood Sellers:
MN Department of Natural Resources Firewood FAQ's:
Issued by making an appointment by calling one of our offices listed above.
Balsam boughs are a very popular product for crafters on the Forest. Balsam boughs make excellent wreaths for your front door! Permits for harvesting Balsam boughs are available at all Chippewa National Forest offices. $50 minimum permit for 2 tons. Limit 1 permit per company per year.
- Christmas tree permits can be purchased online.
- It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.
- Chippewa National Forest Christmas tree permits can also be obtained through the mail by sending your request and payment made to USDA Forest Service ($5.00 per permit) to: Chippewa National Forest, Attn: Christmas Permit, 201 Minnesota Ave. East, Walker, MN 56484
Christmas tree cutting on the Chippewa National Forest has been a holiday tradition for many years. Many families begin their holiday season by cutting their own Christmas tree from the national forests. All you need is a $5.00 permit, sharp axe, thermos of cocoa and a little patience. Away from the holiday rush, families discover the peace of the forest surrounded by winter white. Christmas Tree Permits can now be purchased at https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/
Guidelines and Restrictions for collecting your Christmas Trees
- One permit is required for each Christmas Tree. Permits are $5.00 each.
- Per the Every Kid Outdoors Program, all 4th graders are entitled to one FREE Christmas tree permit with a valid EKO pass redeemed at Recreation.gov or by calling our offices.
- Christmas Tree permits must be validated and displayed when harvesting your tree.
- Cut your Christmas Tree only on National Forest lands. National Forest maps are available for sale.
- Respect road and area closures.
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).
Safety Information
- Always let someone know where you plan to cut.
- Bring additional warm clothing, a container of hot liquid, water, lunch or a few snacks as it always takes longer than expected.
- Carry a flashlight, chains, first aid kit, a hatchet or axe, good warm gloves, boots, and rope to tie your tree down.
- When you bring your tree home, immediately cut a 1 inch diagonal piece off the bottom. Place your tree in a container with a mixture of one part sugar to sixteen parts water. Keeping the container filled will help prolong the freshness of your tree.
- Locate your tree so it will not block exits, away from heat.
- Never use lighted candles on a tree or near any evergreen decorations. Use decorations which are noncombustible, such as glass, or which are flame-retardant. Keep natural evergreens and polystyrene decorations away from candles, fireplaces, and other open flames.
Minimum permit: $20 for 80 taps @$0.25/tap Limit 1 permit per person per year Chippewa National Forest land only Permits can be obtained at any Chippewa National Forest office.
A Special Use Permit can be granted for specific events or commercial activities. Examples include organizational camps, outfitter and guides, bicycle races, sled dog races or horseback trails on public lands. These permits contain specific terms and conditions that the holder must follow. Before Special Use Permits are issued, the Forest Service must determine that the proposed use complies with all management plans and laws, that there is a demonstrated need for the activity, and that the use is appropriate on national forest system lands. Special Use Permits are a temporary authority.
If you are interested in obtaining a special use permit for an event or commercial purposes, please contact the local district in which the event or business would occur.
A permit is required for all commercial filming activities on National Forest System lands, and for certain commercial still photography, except when these activities involve breaking news.
Learn more here.