Free personal use firewood permits available

COEUR d’ALENE — The Forest Service will once again issue free, personal use firewood permits for up to 12 cords of firewood per permit holder during the 2023 calendar year.

To obtain a free permit, simply call or visit your nearest ranger district office or the supervisor's office in Coeur d'Alene. A representative will ask you for some basic, identifying information, then issue you a permit.

Personal use of firewood cutting allows you to remove downed timber or to cut standing dead trees in allowed areas. Woodcutters can take up to 12 cords of firewood for personal use. A cord is the amount of tightly piled wood in a stack 4 feet high by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long.

Woodcutters are encouraged to contact the local ranger district office to see if there are any specific local restrictions or requirements. A list of office locations and contact information can be found on the IPNF website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ipnf/about-forest/offices

While the permits are free, cutters are still required to have a copy of the permit in their possession while cutting, and to observe any rules or best practices. For instance, wood cutting is not allowed within 150 feet of any running stream, and cutters should avoid cutting in timber sales, which will be marked with paint or signs.

Motorists also need to comply with travel management plans while woodcutting. Motor vehicle use maps are free and available at Forest Service offices or online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/ipnf/maps-pubs.

For more information on woodcutting, and links to district-specific woodcutting maps, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ipnf/passes-permits/forestproducts/?cid=fsm9_019032