Firewood permits are free

Firewood gathering will remain free on the Flathead National Forest and other area forests, but wood gatherers will have to get a free permit.

“As the impacts from COVID-19 continue to be felt across the country, we remain committed to providing services on our public lands and doing what we can to help those in need,” said Regional Forester Leanne Marten.

Those interested in collecting firewood and other forest products and botanicals need to first contact their local unit by phone and provide their contact details, and a free, hard-copy permit will be issued by mail. In-person pickup at a local station may also be available, depending upon location, and will comply with the Center for Disease Control’s requirements for social distancing. The permit will be valid between now and Dec. 30, 2020.

The free permits allow for the removal of downed timber or the cutting of standing dead trees for personal firewood. They do not allow for the collection of more limited post and poles/rails or for any commercial harvesting.

The Flathead has some additional restrictions on cutting larch later in the season, as well as there’s no cutting in some areas, like the Coram Experimental Forest, for example.

Woodcutters can obtain permits for up to 12 cords of firewood for personal use. A cord is the amount of tightly piled wood in a stack four feet high by four feet wide by eight feet long. Those collecting any forest product should use caution while driving on Forest Service roads at this time of the year.

For more information about how to obtain a firewood permit for Flathead National Forest, please call the appropriate district office where you would like to collect wood.