Hoosier National Forest Firewood Cutting Permits Available
Tell City, IN— The Hoosier National Forest has revised its firewood cutting program in response to increased demand and available down trees. “We have always had a firewood permit program,” said Anne Carey, Brownstown/Tell City District Ranger, “but the severe weather impacts from Hurricane Ike and the recent ice storm, plus wood from our timber sale program, have created more opportunities to provide the public with firewood.” Carey emphasized that a firewood cutting permit is required for any firewood taken off national forest land. For further information call the Forest Service Tell City office, at 812-547-7051 or Bedford, Indiana office at 812-275-5987.
Firewood Cutting Permits
What is a firewood permit? A firewood permit is the Forest Service giving permission for individuals to cut down, and in some very limited cases, hazardous trees on the Hoosier National Forest.
What kinds of permits are available? There are two types of permits.
1. Firewood Permits are available for trees that are down in areas identified by the Forest Service within 70 feet of a road way, in closed timber sale areas designated as firewood cutting sites, special firewood areas or other management areas where a quantity of wood is available and the access and parking are reasonably good. This permit carries a $20.00 fee and is valid for a maximum of 3 months. Up to 2 cords (or 4 pick up truckloads) of wood are available with each permit.
2. Free Use Permits are available to adjacent landowners when trees threaten the landowner’s property. This permit has no charge and is valid for a maximum of 3 months.
How do I know if I need a permit? You may not cut any trees on the Hoosier National Forest unless a permit is issued. Only down or hazardous trees assigned on the permit are allowed to be cut. However, if you are camping on the Hoosier National Forest in a designated recreation area or dispersed campsite you are not required to have a permit to gather small amounts of firewood for your “on site” campfire.
How do I obtain a Firewood or Free Use Permit? You are required to contact a Hoosier National Forest office to request a permit. A description of the area in which you wish to cut down or hazardous trees is needed to determine if the permit will be made available. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to check access and wood availability before purchasing a firewood permit. Permits will be sold during normal working hours.
Is there a fee? Yes, if you want to cut firewood in designated areas, the Firewood Permits are $20.00. If you are granted permission to have a Free Use Permit there is no fee to cut trees causing imminent danger to roadways and properties. All sales of permits are final and no refunds will be made.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Transportation Warning: Firewood removed from the Forest Service lands must be used in the county or infested township where it was removed. According to Indiana Department of Natural Resources, if the county or township you would like to cut firewood is under EAB quarantine you will not be able to move firewood to another county or outside of the infested township in that county. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources regulates the movement of wood and wood byproducts that may be affected by the EAB. You may want to check with the IDNR to locate potentially quarantined counties before purchasing a permit. For more information on the quarantine contact 1- 866-NO-EXOTIC.
