Firewood Collecting Permits

Due to snow making most fuelwood collection areas inaccessible, fuelwood collection season is delayed until June 1, 2023. To protect roads and other resources, please do not drive on native surface roads until they have had time to dry out.

Early season supplies of firewood can be found at the Sherwin Creek Road propane tank farm in Mammoth Lakes.

Permits must be obtained at one of Visitor Centers in-person. There will be no electronic or mail-issued permits.

  1. White Mountain Public Lands Information Center: (760) 873-2500
    • Permit sales available since May 16.
  2. Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center: (760) 647-3044
    • Permit sales available since June 1.
  3. Mammoth Welcome Center: (760) 924-5500
    • Permit sales available since June 1.

Fuelwood Maps

Woodcutters are required to carry (1) the permit and (2) Inyo National Forest Personal Use Fuelwood Map, and follow the regulations.

Fuelwood permits are $15.00 per cord with a two-cord minimum purchase.

A total of up to 6 cords (a cord = 8' length x 4' height x 4' wide) of firewood for personal use is permitted per calendar year.

Shut Down Days

Inyo National Forest institutes shut down days for chainsaw use on "VERY HIGH" and "EXTREME" fire danger days. On these days you will not be allowed to use a chainsaw for either all or part of the day.

For daily information, call the pre-recorded message number: (760) 873-2555

Wood Collecting Rules

It is your responsibility to understand and adhere to the following regulations:

  • Collect only in designated areas.
  • Collect down and dead wood only.
    • No standing trees may be cut, pushed or pulled down.
    • Cutting a previously felled tree is prohibited except in designated/signed areas, such as logging or thinning areas.
  • Load tags and permits cannot be sold, transferred, or given away.
    • Tag numbers must match your permit.
  • Carry your Firewood Collecting Permit, map and tags with you whenever you are collecting wood.
  • Cutting wood is allowed between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. only.
  • Date and time must be punched out on the tags attached to the wood.
  • One tag for each 1/4 cord, or portion thereof, must be firmly attached to the firewood where it is visible from the rear before moving the vehicle.
  • Validated tags must remain attached to the wood until at least 30 days after the season closed.
    • Tags may not be reused.
  • Each person over 18 years of age in a given household may purchase a permit for up to 6 cords of wood.
    • Total tags issued per household may not exceed 12 cords.
  • A shovel or fire extinguisher must be kept available at all times when cutting firewood.

Help Reduce Fire Danger

Spark Arresters Are Required!

The Forest Service and the State of California require wood collectors to equip their chainsaws and other internal combustion equipment with spark arresters. A spark arrester screen should be cleaned with a wire brush after 8 hours of use in order to keep it safe and functional. A screen should be replaced as soon as there is an increase (burning out) or decrease (clogging) in opening size.

When starting a chainsaw:

  • Move at least 15 feet from the fueling spot to avoid gasoline vapors.
  • Keep a shovel or a 14-oz fire extinguisher nearby.

While Using the Chainsaw:

  • Around the downed log, clear away brush, grass and needles that could easily catch fire.
  • Do not use a saw that is backfiring or overheating.
  • Do not leave an idling saw unattended.

When Adding Fuel To The Chainsaw:

  • Stay far away from lighted cigarettes and open flames.
  • Stop the saw and let it cool for 5 minutes before adding fuel.
  • Set the hot saw on bare soil or rock, far from combustible materials such as wood chips and pine needles.

When Building A Warming Fire:

  • Obtain a California Campfire Permit from any Inyo National Forest Ranger Station or Visitor Center.
  • Clear the soil of combustible material in a circle 10-feet wide around the fire.
  • Make certain the fire is completely out by using water and stirring before you leave it.