Permits
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest manages resources to meet sustainable resource management objectives. Most National Forest System lands are open and free of charge for your use and enjoyment. However, some areas and activities do require fees or permits to help maintain, manage, and improve the amenities that you enjoy.
Not sure if you need a pass or permit? Read below or click on one of the links for more information on the types of passes and permits available on the Chequamegon-Nicolet.
Do You Need a Pass or Permit?
When Don't You Need a Permit?
- When you are gathering edible material (morels, etc.) for your own consumption.
- When you are building a campfire on National Forest System lands you can collect a reasonable quantity of wood for the campfire without a permit.
When Do You Need a Permit?
- For collecting fuelwood
- Special Use Permits are required for commercial and non-commercial use of NFS lands, including:
- Easements for electrical and utility lines
- Roads to access private property bound by National Forest lands
- Oil and gas pipelines, wells or holding tanks, etc.
- Minerals
Forest Product Permits
What kind of products can I obtain on the Forest?
There are many forest products that can be purchased with a Forest Products Removal Permit.
Free Use Permits may also be issued for a small amount of a product that is intended for personal use only.
While the most popular products purchased are holiday trees, boughs, and firewood, several other products such as princess pine, birch bark and assorted twigs and stems can be purchased under a Forest Products Removal or Free Use Permit.
The best way to find out more about what you can obtain, either free or for a fee, is to contact any of our District Offices.
Firewood Permits
Permits are required for collecting personal use firewood.
Balsam Boughs
Balsam boughs are the only types of boughs that can be harvested.
Holiday Tree Tags
Cutting your own Christmas tree can be a festive outing to begin the holiday season.
Q: Can I gather these products anywhere on the Forest?
A: You may gather plants and other products for personal use on all national forest land except:
- federally designated wilderness areas
- research natural areas
- developed recreation areas
- Forest Service administrative areas
- the Argonne Experimental Forest
- within 100 feet of a lake or pond
- within 100 feet of hiking trails that are within one-half mile of developed campgrounds.
It’s important to know where you are and to be sure that you are not harvesting on private land. Please also be mindful of aesthetics and safety if you gather along roads or trails.
Q: How can I tell if I'm on National Forest land when I'm gathering forest products?
A: You can't in most cases. Wisconsin does not require landowners to post their land. It's important for you to know where you are, since private property is scattered throughout the forest. Maps with a variety of scales may be purchased at any District Office.
PDF Downloads
The following maps show areas where personal and/or commercial harvesting is prohibited:
- Eagle River-Florence Ranger District
- Great Divide Ranger District
- Lakewood-Laona Ranger District
- Medford-Park Falls Ranger District
- Washburn Ranger District
Avenza App
You can also find these maps on the Avenza App.
Free digital downloads for use only in the Avenza Maps app:
Non-Forest Product Permits
Event/Commercial Permits
Obtain to commercial permit for recreation events (e.g. races, rallies, contests, adventure games, concerts etc.) commercial photography, filming, sound recording, outfitting and guides, and road use permits across NFS land to access private property.
Geocaching
Geocaching is permitted in most areas of the forest. learn how to register a cache and help protect the forest's natural resources.