Beginning Friday, May 1, personal and commercial use firewood collection season will resume on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland. Firewood season runs through November 30, 2026. The public should note this is only for the National Forest system lands and does not include permits for firewood cutting on land managed by the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management.
While personal use firewood permits are free, a permit is still required. The public can obtain up to eight cords of wood per year. Permits are available at local vendors and Forest Service offices. While the permit is free, vendors may charge a $2.50 processing fee per transaction. The firewood cannot be sold and must be used for personal use only. People interested in selling firewood must obtain a commercial permit at a Forest Service office.
Permit holders must have a permit and a copy of the 2026 Firewood Synopsis while collecting firewood and will be required to tag their loads. Permit holders need to pay particular attention to the “Rules and Regulations” as well as the specific cutting designations listed on each cutting area map in the synopsis. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to read the 2026 Firewood Synopsis and understand the tree species available for firewood cutting and gathering in the designated areas. It is prohibited to possess or remove trees that have been illegally cut.
Permits will be available at vendors and Forest Service offices beginning May 1. A list of local vendors can be found on both Forest’s websites (fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/
Permit holders must be aware of and follow all fire restrictions, which can be found on either of the two Forest’s websites (fs.usda.gov/main/deschutes/
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
