Forest Products

Firewood Permits

Collecting firewood requires a permit which can be purchased at any Shawnee National Forest office.  The cost of a firewood permit is $20 and allows for 4 cords of firewood (approx. 4 pick-up truck loads) to be collected and removed. Firewood permits are available throughout the year but permits expire on September 30th.  Interested public must be obtained a firewood permit in person, with identification and vehicle plate number.

Gathering

Gathering berries, nuts, mushrooms and other “wild foods” is allowed for personal use only. When gathering berries and fruits keep in mind the following: plants with thorns are good habitat for chiggers. Protective clothing and insect spray will help prevent misery. Gather only the amount of berries and fruits that will be used; wildlife depends upon such foods for sustenance. Make sure you do not trespass on private land.

Plant Collecting

Collecting flowers or plants for personal use is allowed on National Forest lands except for designated Wilderness and Natural Areas. Commercial plant collecting is restricted and requires obtaining a permit from the Shawnee National Forest Supervisors Office. Collection of endangered, threatened, or rare species is prohibited.

Holiday Tree Permit

Enjoying the fresh air while hiking the forest in search of the perfect holiday tree, can be a wonderful way to begin the season. Create special memories by bringing your family to the Shawnee National Forest to cut a beautiful eastern red cedar tree.

A permit is required to cut a holiday tree off national forest land. To purchase a holiday tree permit, go to recreation.gov.  The permit allows one eastern red cedar to be cut for a holiday tree. Permits cost $5 plus a $2.50 online transaction fee.

Be sure to read the detailed permit information at recreation.gov prior to purchasing your tree permit.