Need firewood on a budget? Fuelwood permits are good through Dec. 31

If you’re feeling a budget pinch this fall, consider “shopping” for firewood from dead or downed trees in a state forest near you.

Fuelwood permits cost $20 and allow collection of fuelwood for personal use from select state-managed land in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula. Permit holders may collect up to five standard cords of wood, a stack measuring 4 feet by 4 feet by 8  feet. In the 12-county area affected by the severe ice storm in March, the limit is raised to 10 cords. Collected wood must be from already dead and downed trees within 200 feet of the road.

There are three ways to get fuelwood permits, which are good through Dec. 31:

• Buy a permit online at mdnr-elicense.com.
• Purchase a permit in person at DNR customer service centers in the northern Lower Peninsula or Upper Peninsula. A few forestry field offices also will sell permits in person; call to confirm business hours and availability.
• Mail an application to the DNR office that manages the state forest land where you wish to collect fuelwood.

A few rules are in place to ensure wood is collected safely and sustainably:

• Do not drive vehicles off the road, though you may use a wheelbarrow or handcart to carry wood to your vehicle.
• Gather wood only from already dead and downed trees; do not remove wood from trees that are dead and still standing.
• Have your permit with you and fill out the collection log before transporting your wood. Failure to do so could result in a citation.
• Do not sell or trade firewood. It is for personal use only.
• Avoid spreading invasive pests and diseases; collect firewood near where it will be used.

If you’re collecting wood in the northern Lower Peninsula this year, ice storm debris can be treacherous. Be aware of your surroundings and look for hazards on the ground and overhead when collecting wood. If you are collecting wood during deer season, consider wearing blaze orange for visibility.

For more information on fuelwood permits and list of frequently asked questions, visit Michigan.gov/Fuelwood.