Klamath National Forest welcomes new wood cutting season

Yreka, Calif., Dec. 31, 2024 — A new season for wood collection begins January 6, 2025, and will last through December 31, 2025. Before firing up your chainsaw, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with key rules and revised regulations for this upcoming season.

Firewood permits for personal use are available to individuals aged 18 and older and allow for the collection of up to 12 cords per calendar year per person. The cost of a cord of wood will return to its pre-Covid price of $5.00 per cord, with a minimum $20.00 fee per transaction. These permits are valid only for the Klamath National Forest and cannot be used on private lands, Bureau of Land Management areas, or neighboring forests. Always carry your permit and accompanying maps while collecting wood and consult the Personal Use Firewood Maps to verify cutting locations.

To acquire a permit, individuals have multiple options, including in-person visits to forest offices, mail-in forms, telephone requests, or email submissions. Payments can be made via credit/debit cards, checks, money orders, or cash. Permits will also, in the future, be available for purchase online, to be announced at a later date. Processing time for mailed permits is approximately 10 business days. The person named on the permit must be present during wood cutting and transport unless a third-party wood cutter is designated. In this case, a designation form must be completed and attached with the permit. Remember, the wood collected must be transported to and used only at the address listed on your permit.

Available for free online or by mail, firewood cutting areas are clearly marked on Personal Use Firewood Maps. Maps detail “General Firewood Cutting Areas” and “Restricted Cutting Areas,” the latter allowing removal only within 100 feet of specified roads. Certain ranger districts, like Goosenest and Happy Camp, occasionally designate special “firewood areas” where collection is more plentiful.

Always check online at Alerts & Closures for updates on fire restrictions and closures due to wildfire danger. For further information, contact your local forest office or call 530-841-4588 for current firewood cutting restrictions.

For more information on firewood cutting, including maps, purchasing instructions, and guidance, please visit Klamath National Forest – Forest Products Permits.

a Klamath National Forest and Butte Valley National Grassland Press Release