Forest Product Permits

Christmas Tree Permits

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A permit is required for each tree cut and removed from National Forest land. You may obtain a permit from any Ottawa National Forest office for $5. Christmas Tree Permits can now be purchased on Recreation.gov

Personal Use Firewood Permits

Personal use firewood permits are available at district offices and cost $5 per cord, with a 4-cord minimum and 12-cord maximum. Firewood gatherers must comply with forest regulations and permit requirements. Individuals may not sell firewood gathered under a personal-use permit. 

Balsam Bough Permits

This permit allows the permittee to harvest 2 tons of product in a 3-week period. The cost of the permit is $60. To obtain a permit, please call your local Forest Service office to schedule an appointment.

Maple Sap

Wondering about collecting maple sap on the Ottawa National Forest? There are some thing you need to know:

• Call one of our offices ahead of time so we can get the process ready for you. Offices issuing permits this year are Bessemer, Watersmeet, and Kenton.
• You need to provide a map of the area and the township/range/section of where you will be tapping. This is used in the approval process.
• Sometimes, depending on schedules, it can take a day or two for approval before you obtain a permit.
• Once you are done tapping, do not fill in the holes or spray them with anything.  Leave the tree to heal naturally.
• Tap permits are $2.00 per tap with a minimum of $20 per permit. If it is for commercial purposes, you need additional permitting.

Under a personal use permit you cannot leave equipment in the field. This means you can have your tap and bucket on the tree but cannot leave out other equipment.

Table - Guideline for Number of Taps Per Tree (where spile = 7/16 inch)

Other Forest Products

You may be able to harvest other forest products with a permit. For more information, please contact your local Forest Service office.