OLYMPIA — Free personal use firewood will be available from the Olympic National Forest beginning Oct. 1.
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 is $5 per cord.
“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 are 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 to ensure staff can safely process the permit, the Forest Service recommended.
Offices can be found at:
• Hood Canal Ranger Station, 295142 U.S. Highway 101 S., Quilcene; 360-765-2200.
• Pacific Ranger Station – Forks, 437 Tillicum Lane; 360-374-6522.
• Pacific Ranger Station – Quinault, 353 South Shore Road; 360-288-2525.
• Olympic National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1835 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia; 360-956-2402.
For more information regarding the free use firewood program, contact Kevin Senderak at 360-956-2272 or Brian Jaenicke at 360-956-2402 or see the website at www.fs.usda.gov/olympic.
