Wood Energy
Permit Required
The high cost of fuel has increased the demand for firewood throughout Alaska. Anyone who is interested in cutting firewood on State land must first contact their local Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) office to obtain a permit. Commercial and personal use permits are available.
Firewood Locations and Access
The Alaska DOF is working to provide firewood on State land in Southcentral and Interior Alaska. Top quality firewood is found in areas where wildland fires have burned and the wood is dried and cured, the limbs are frequently broken off, and there is little to no bark left. Beetle-killed trees also provide a good source for firewood.
Quality firewood exists on State lands, but road accessible areas are limited. In areas where forest roads exist, drivers are asked to use caution at all times and during all seasons, even though winter may be the most hazardous. Roads are not maintained during winter months except by loggers at active timber sales. If you see a pile of logs along side a road, please do not remove any of the wood as it may be part of a timber sale.
Obtaining a Permit
WARNING! YOU MUST HAVE A PRINTER TO PRINT THE PERMIT, STIPULATIONS, AND MAP!
DOF Online Firewood Permit System - Firewood cutting permits are available online on state land for the following areas of the state: Fairbanks, Tok, Glennallen, Haines, Mat-Su, and Kenai.
Regular Firewood Permits - Permits may also be obtained from DOF area offices. Any individual gathering firewood on State land should consult maps and personnel at their local DOF office to ensure they remain on State land. Property lines are frequently unmarked and any permission obtained from DOF to gather firewood is only valid on State land. Harvesting firewood without the landowner's permission is trespass.
For information specific to the area you live in, contact your local forestry office:
| Fairbanks/Delta Area: |
Front Desk |
(907) 451-2600 |
| Southeast Area: |
Greg Staunton |
(907) 225-3070 |
| Mat-Su Area: |
Stephen Nickel |
(907) 761-6301 |
| Kenai-Kodiak Area: |
Diane Campbell |
(907) 260-4210 |
| Tok/Copper River Area |
Kato Howard |
(907) 883-1403 |
Fact Sheets on Firewood
Other Sources of Firewood
Before you cut firewood from land other than your own, get permission from the landowner. Determine if permits are required or if there are guidelines to follow.
Some areas in the Chugach and Tongass national forests are open to cutting firewood. Contact a U.S. Forest Service office for locations and requirements. A directory of Forest Service offices in Alaska can be found at www.fs.fed.us/r10/.
Radio PSA Spot
You can listen to an audio Public Lands Minute public service announcement on Firewood Cutting. A transcript of the radio spot is available in PDF format.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Question: How can I burn wood and still maintain good air quality in my house and outside?
Answer: Visit the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation website for information about wood burning stoves and measures you can take to ensure the air stays clean: http://dec.alaska.gov/air/anpms/particulate-matter/wood-stove-particulate-matter/
2. Question: I am looking to buy a new stove, what type, size and model will best meet my needs?
Answer: Find out more about wood, pellet and gas burning stoves or masonry heaters at the Environmental Protection Agency website: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/wood-heater-compliance-monitoring-program
3. Question: I am looking for information about wood burning efficiency and safety, health impacts from smoke, incentives to upgrade my current stove, and more.
Answer: The following Environmental Protection Agency site contains a variety of information about cleaner burning wood stoves and fireplaces and addresses many questions asked above: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/wood-heater-compliance-monitoring-program
4. Question: Is a permit required to cut firewood on State land?
Answer: Yes, you must obtain a commercial or personal use permit from your local Division of Forestry & Fire Protection office.
5. Question: Is my State permit valid elsewhere?
Answer: No, please consult maps and personnel at the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection to ensure you remain on State land. Property lines are frequently unmarked and any permission obtained from DOF to gather firewood is only valid on State land. Harvesting firewood without the landowner's permission is trespass.
6. Question: Are there roads to access all the available firewood?
Answer: No, road accessible areas are limited. In areas where forest roads exist, drivers are asked to use caution. Roads are not maintained during winter months except by loggers at active timber sales.
7. Question: If I see a pile of logs on the side of the road does that mean I can take wood from it?
Answer: No, please do not remove any wood from piles of logs that are found along side a road as it may be part of a timber sale.
