Firewood Cutting
Always check to find out what the Industrial Fire Precaution Level is before heading to the woods to do some woodcutting.
Those wishing to cut their own firewood can obtain a woodcutting permit from any Wenatchee National Forest office. The minimum permit purchase is 4 cords ($20) and the maximum is 10 cords (when used for personal use).
When woodcutting, always be sure to carry the fire equipment listed on the woodcutting permit and properly secure and tag the load of wood.
Both the woodcutting permit and the woodcutting tags need to be in the woodcutter’s possession when gathering wood. Always check to find out what the Industrial Fire Precaution Level is before heading to the woods to do some woodcutting. This information is also available at any Wenatchee National Forest office. The best woodcutting times are in the spring and fall. Contact local Ranger District offices for details.
Firewood cutting is only allowed in designated areas; maps accompany the permit. The maximum is 10 cords (when used for personal use).
1. Please read your firewood permit carefully and completely.
2. The permit and woodcutting stubs must be in your possession when cutting firewood. The following equipment is also required at the cutting site when using a power saw:
- Saw with exhaust system in good repair and a scree-type spark arrestor of 0.023" or less and qualified under USDA Forest Service Standards.
- Shovel: Long-handled round point with an 8" blade in possession of operator.
- Fire extinguisher: Pressurized chemical of not less than 8-ounce capacity by weight and in possession of operator.
3. Each load ticket allows you to haul 1/2 (one-half) cord of wood. If your vehicle is large enough to allow you to transport more than 1/2 cord of wood, a load ticket must be attached for each 1/2 cord of wood hauled. This ticket must be marked to indicate the month and day of use, and be attached to the load when the vehicle is moved from the cutting site.
A standard, full cord of wood is a volume of 128 cubic feet, measured as a pile 8 feet long, 4 feet high and 4 feet wide. A full cord can weigh up to 5,000 pounds. |
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 Small Pickup -- 1/4 ton |
With or without racks this truck bed holds approximately 1/2 (one-half) cord of wood. One load ticket required. |
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 Short Bed Pickup -- 1/2 ton |
With or without racks this truck bed holds approximately 1/2 (one-half) cord of wood. One load ticket required. |
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 Long Bed Pickup -- 1/2 or 3/4 ton |
Without racks this truck bed holds approximately 1/2 (one-half) cord of wood. One load ticket required. With racks this truck bed holds approximately 1 (one) cord of wood. Two load tickets required. |
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 Standard Truck -- 1 ton |
With high racks this truck bed holds approximately 1 1/2 (one and a half) cords of wood. Three load tickets required. |
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Please note that trucks may be overloaded when filled with wood. Check the owner's manual for your vehicle to see what load weights the truck can safely haul and make sure your vehicle is licensed for the weight you will be hauling.
