Inyo National Forest

Passes & Permits

Recreation Fee Program

Campfire Permits

Christmas Tree Permits

Firewood Collecting Permits

Wilderness Permits

America the Beautiful Passes

Special Use Permits

Most National Forest system lands are open and free of charge for your use and enjoyment. User fees and permits may be required for some activities on Forest lands - access more information by using links above.

If you plan to use a specialized facility (camping, parking, boat launch ramps, swimming site, etc.) on the Forest, you may have to pay a USER FEE - many of which are operated under the Recreation Fee Program.

RECREATION Fee Program

The Inyo National Forest utilizes the Recreation Fee Program in five areas:

• Wilderness Permit Reservation System
• Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area
• Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
• Horseshoe Meadows Equestrian Camp, Golden Trout & Cottonwood Lakes Walk-In Campgrounds
• Reds Meadow Area

Ninety-five percent (95%) of all fees collected in these areas stay on the Inyo National Forest in support of management and administrative functions.

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CALIFORNIA CAMPFIRE PERMITS

California Campfire Permits are required on all Inyo National Forest lands (and nearby Bureau of Land Management and State-response lands) for the use of a campfire, propane stove, lantern or any open flame unless you are in a developed recreation area (campground or picnic area).

Permits are available free-of-charge at offices of the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Regulations governing campfires are specific to each National Forest and change with weather conditions and the seasons - to protect yourself and the forest, before each visit, check with the Forest Service for current campfire restrictions.

If you smoke outside a vehicle, be sure to do so within a cleared area at least three feet in diameter. Smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle may be completely prohibited during times of high fire danger.

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CHRISTMAS TREE PERMITS

Christmas tree permits may be picked up at any Inyo or Toiyabe National Forest Ranger Station or Visitor Center for the following areas:

• Bridgeport Ranger District/Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest:
  • Any species of tree is permitted to be cut for the use of a Christmas tree ($5.00 per tree tag)
• Bishop Bureau of Land Management/Green Creek Cutting Area:
  • Pinyon and juniper trees only ($5.00 per tree tag)
• Battle Mountain Station/Nevada Lida Area:
  • Pinyon and juniper trees only ($3.00 per tree tag)

The following rules apply for all areas:

1. Possession of a Firewood Collecting Permit does not authorize the cutting of a Christmas tree.
2. One tree limit per family.
3. You must attach the tag to the tree as soon as it is cut.
4. No Christmas tree cutting is allowed in the following areas:
   • campgrounds
   • designated wilderness areas
   • within 25 feet of any stream banks or other water source
   • administrative sites
   • private or state lands
5. Maximum tree height is 12 feet

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FIREWOOD COLLECTING PERMITS

The Inyo National Forests is one of many forests offering Firewood Collecting Permits to the public. Firewood Permits will be offered as long as wood collecting does not conflict with other forest resources and activities such as commercial timber cutting, reforestation, wildlife habitat management, and fire prevention.

Permits may be obtained from any Inyo National Forest Visitor Center or Ranger Station with valid I.D. and payment of fees. Currently, fees are $14.00 per cord of wood, with a 2 cord minimum and 6 cord maximum. A typical firewood collecting season spans from May 1 through October 31 and is subject to change at any time. Permits will include a Fuelwood Map showing areas where firewood collecting is permitted for each season.

Shut Down Days

In an effort to be consistent with other Forest activities, we will be shutting down firewood cutters 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 information on Forest closures in effect, call the pre-recorded message number: 760-873-2555.

It is your responsibility to understand and adhere to the following regulations:

1. Collect down and dead wood only. No standing trees may be cut, pushed or pulled down.
2. Cutting on a previously felled tree is prohibited except in designated or signed areas, such as logging or thinning areas.
3. Collect only in designated areas as shown on the Map: "OPEN--May 1 thru October 31"
4. Load Tags and Permits cannot be sold, transferred or given away. The numbers on your Tags must agree with the Tag numbers listed on your permit.
5. Carry your Firewood Collecting Permit, Map and Tags with you whenever you are collecting wood.
6. Cutting wood is allowed between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm only.
7. Date and time (including am & pm) must be punched out on the Tags attached to the load of wood.
8. One Tag for each 1/4 cord, or portion thereof, must be firmly attached to the firewood where it is visible from the rear before moving the vehicle.
9. Validated Tags must remain attached to the wood until at least 30 days after the season closed. Tags may NOT be reused.
10. Each person over 18 years of age in a given household may purchase a Permit for up to 6 cords of wood. Total Tags issued per household may not exceed 12 cords.
11. A shovel or fire extinguisher must be kept available at all times when cutting firewood.

Spark Arresters Are Required! The Forest Service and the State of California require wood collectors to equip their chainsaws and other internal combustion equipment with spark arresters. A spark arrester screen should be cleaned with a wire brush after 8 hours of use in order to keep it safe and functional. A screen should be replaced as soon as there is an increase (burning out) or decrease (clogging) in opening size.

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WILDERNESS PERMITS

Wilderness Permits are required for all overnight travel into the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Hoover, Golden Trout, and South Sierra Wildernesses, at all times of the year. Reservations may be made up to six months in advance for trips taking place during the quota season, from May 1 through November 1.

Photo: Tent set up at Palisade Lakes with sunset behind.

For more information and to print an application, visit the Wilderness section of our site.

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AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASS INFORMATION

Interagency Annual Pass $80.00	Lifetime Access Pass Free	Interagency Senior Pass $10.00
The new Interagency Annual Pass replaces the Golden Eagle Passport. This pass covers Standard Amenity Fees like entrance fees to the National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges and day-use fees charged at National Forests and Bureau of Land Management sites and areas. The Annual Pass may be purchased at any Forest Service office in California. The pass is good for one year from the month of purchase. A special hangtag used for displaying your Annual Passport is available at no cost.	The new Interagency Access Pass replaces the Golden Access Passport. It covers Standard Amenity Fees.The new Access Pass is a lifetime pass available free-of-charge to persons who are permanently disabled. This pass must be applied for in-person at any Forest Service office. A special hangtag used for displaying your Access Passport is available at no cost.	The new Interagency Senior Pass replaces the Golden Age Passport. It covers Standard Amenity Fees. The new Senior Pass is a lifetime pass available to citizens and permanent residents who are 62 years of age and older. Proof of Age is required. This pass must be applied for in-person at any Forest Service office. A special hangtag used for displaying your Senior Passport is available at no cost.

For additional information, please visit the National Federal Recreation website.

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SPECIAL USE PERMITS

Special Use Authorizations provide use of, and access to, National Forest System lands for a wide variety of activities to both commercial and noncommercial operations. Permits are also issued for private, non-exclusive use. Depending on the complexity of the proposal, obtaining a Special Use Authorization can sometimes be a lengthy process.  The Inyo National Forest is asking for all proposals to be submitted 180 days in advance, in order to facilitate this process.  Please coordinate early with the District where you would like to operate.

It is important to note all proponents will not receive a permit, therefore any action taken before receiving a Special Use authorization, such as occupying National Forest System Lands and advertising or expending funds, is premature and at the proponent's risk--and may be against the law.

More information about special uses >>>

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US Forest Service - Inyo National Forest
Last Modified: Wednesday, 23 July 2008 at 10:26:02 EDT