The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced on April 7 that fuelwood permits are now available for individuals interested in collecting wood for personal use from select state-managed lands in the Upper and northern Lower peninsulas.
These permits, priced at $20 per household with a limit of one per year, allow the collection of up to five standard cords of wood. In counties within the northern Lower Peninsula affected by the March 2025 ice storm, permit holders can collect up to ten cords. The collected wood must come from dead and downed trees located within 200 feet of a road.
Permits can be obtained online at mdnr-elicense.com, purchased in person at Department of Natural Resources customer service centers in the designated regions, or acquired by mailing an application to the relevant DNR office. Some forestry field offices also offer in-person sales; officials recommend calling ahead to confirm hours and availability. Permits remain valid for 90 days after issuance but expire on December 31 regardless of purchase date.
To ensure safe and sustainable practices, collectors are prohibited from driving vehicles off-road but may use wheelbarrows or handcarts to transport wood. Only already dead and downed trees may be harvested; standing dead trees cannot be used. Permit holders must carry their permit during collection and complete a log before transporting any wood—failure to comply could result in citations. Firewood gathered under these permits is strictly for personal use and cannot be sold or traded.
Officials caution that moving firewood over long distances poses risks of spreading invasive pests and diseases. Residents are encouraged to collect firewood near where it will be used. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Fuelwood.
