Ottawa National Forest: Firewood Permits (2026)
Price posted
How to get a personal-use firewood permit on the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan: what it costs, how much you can cut, when, and the key rules.
Quick facts
- Price: $20 per permit. Online and in-person prices are the same.
- How much: 4 CCF minimum, 12 CCF maximum per person per year (4 CCF is about 5 full cords).
- Season: Good for one year after purchase, or until you gather the amount you bought.
How much does it cost?
- $20 per permit.
- Online and in-person prices are the same.
How much wood can I cut?
- 4 CCF minimum, 12 CCF maximum per person per year (4 CCF is about 5 full cords).
When can I cut?
- Good for one year after purchase, or until you gather the amount you bought.
How do I get a permit?
What's E-Permits? It's the Forest Service's own online permit website. You pick your forest, pay (or get a free permit), and print it. Most forests say a printed copy is required.
- Buy online through E-Permits (print it) or in person at any district office or the visitor center.
- Call ahead.
Rules to know
- Only downed trees may be cut, except standing dead trees under 15 inches across within 100 feet of open Forest Service roads.
- No live trees.
- Pieces must be 6 feet or shorter.
Before you go
- Check fire restrictions the day you cut. Chainsaw use is often limited or banned in hot, dry weather.
- Cut only on National Forest land in open areas, never on private, state, tribal or BLM land.
- Stay on open roads. Use the forest's Motor Vehicle Use Map.
- Keep firewood local. Moving it can spread insects and diseases that kill trees.
What to bring:
- Your permit and load tickets or tags (printed, if bought online)
- A chainsaw with a working spark arrester, or a hand saw or ax
- A shovel and a fire extinguisher (many forests require them)
- Gloves, eye and ear protection, and sturdy boots
- A truck or trailer that can carry the weight (a full cord can weigh thousands of pounds)
Cutting a Christmas tree? See the Ottawa Christmas tree permit page.
Sources
More firewood in Michigan: Huron-Manistee · Hiawatha · All forests · Michigan state page
Independent site. Forest Permit Finder is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the USDA Forest Service or Recreation.gov. Permit rules change; always check the official page before you go. Information last verified Oct 2026.