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.
![[Image]: Burning cigarrette](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080925121239im_/http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/images/cig.jpg) |
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
![[Image]: Christmas Tree](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080925121239im_/http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/images/xmastree.gif) |
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:
- Possession of a Firewood Collecting Permit does not authorize the
cutting of a Christmas tree.
- One tree limit per family.
- You must attach the tag to the tree as soon as it is cut.
- 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
- 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:
- Collect down and dead wood only. No standing trees may be cut, pushed
or pulled down.
- Cutting on a previously felled tree is prohibited except in designated
or signed areas, such as logging or thinning areas.
- Collect only in designated areas as shown on the
Map: "OPEN--May 1 thru October 31"
- 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.
- Carry your Firewood Collecting Permit, Map and Tags with you whenever
you are collecting wood.
- Cutting wood is allowed between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm only.
- Date and time (including am & pm) must be punched out on the
Tags attached to the load of wood.
- 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.
- Validated Tags must remain attached to the wood until at least 30
days after the season closed. Tags may NOT be reused.
- 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.
- 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.
HELP REDUCE FIRE DANGER!!! |
When Starting The Chainsaw:
- Move at least 15 feet from the fueling spot to avoid gasoline
vapors.
- Keep a shovel or a 14-oz fire extinguisher nearby.
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When Adding Fuel To The Chainsaw:
- Stay far away from lighted cigarettes and open flames.
- Stop the saw and let it cool for 5 minutes before adding fuel.
- Set the hot saw on bare soil or rock, far from combustible
materials such as wood chips and pine needles.
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While Using the Chainsaw:
- Around the downed log, clear away brush, grass and needles
that could easily catch fire.
- Do not use a saw that is backfiring or overheating.
- Do not leave an idling saw unattended.
|
When Building A Warming Fire:
- Obtain a California Campfire Permit from any Inyo National
Forest Ranger Station or Visitor Center.
- Clear the soil of combustible material in a circle 10-feet
wide around the fire.
- Make certain the fire is completely out by using water and
stirring before you leave it.
|
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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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