The firewood program on the Olympic National Forest will be transitioning to a free personal use firewood program to the public beginning Oct. 1.

Free use firewood will be granted to individuals for personal use without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, handicap, or sex, and without restrictions regarding the wealth or residency of the recipient.

Those who receive free use firewood permits may gather up to 6 cords and can use firewood for cutting, manufacturing, handling, or other processing, but not for resale.

Commercial firewood permits are available for individuals who wish to resell firewood or collect up to 10 cords.

The rate for commercial firewood permits remains unchanged at $5.00 per cord. The free use areas for collection remain unchanged as well.

“We are pleased to be able to offer free personal use firewood across the Olympic National Forest,” said Forest Supervisor, Kelly Lawrence. “This change will benefit people who rely on firewood as their primary heat source and will allow us to dispose of material that otherwise would have a cost to burn or remove.”

Those wishing to gather firewood will still be required to obtain a free permit through a Forest Service office.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Forest Service offices continue to offer limited and virtual services; prior to visiting an office for a permit call an office to ensure staff can safely process your permit.

For more information regarding the free use firewood program, please contact Kevin Senderak 360-956-2272 or Brian Jaenicke 360-956-2402.