Wood collection permit season begins May 20
BISHOP, Calif., April 26, 2023— Due to the late onboarding of seasonal staff, Inyo National Forest will begin personal fuelwood collection season until May 20, with staggering opening dates for each visitor center.
“In future years, we expect wood collecting season on the forest to open mid-May to early-June from now on, due to the timing of regional collective hiring we must work around,” said Fred Wong, Mammoth District Ranger.
All wood collection permits must be purchased in-person at one of the above visitor centers, and it is recommended that you call ahead. Forest employees do not issue permits via email or mail, as this was a pandemic-era practice.
Electronic versions of fuelwood maps will be available on our website:
www.fs.usda.gov/goto/Inyo/FirewoodPermits
Maps are also mobile-friendly without the need for cell service, navigable on Avenza for free:
https://store.avenza.com/products/2024-inyo-fuelwood-map-us-forest-service-r5-map
Fuelwood permits are $15.00 per cord with a two-cord minimum purchase. Once obtained, woodcutters are required to carry their permit and Fuelwood Map with them, and follow the associated regulations.
Please avoid driving on muddy roads until they have had time to dry out. This will help keep roads in decent shape and protect other natural resources.
Log diameters of greater than 30 inches are required to remain on the forest floor for wildlife habitat and recycling of soil nutrients.
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
The majority of funds collected from permit sales are directly returned to the forest for continued implementation of this fuelwood program and the Fuelwood Strategy.
