Firewood Cutting Regulations in Utah

Utah offers excellent opportunities for harvesting firewood on both public and private lands, with clear rules to promote sustainability and prevent environmental damage. Here’s a comprehensive guide to cutting firewood legally in Utah.

Firewood Cutting on Public Lands in Utah

1. Permit Requirement:
   • A permit is required for cutting firewood on lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) or Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
   • Permits are issued for personal use only and not for commercial purposes.
2. Where to Get Permits:
   • Permits can be purchased online or at local ranger stations or BLM field offices.
3. Permit Costs and Limits:
   • Most permits cost around $5 per cord, with a limit of 3–5 cords per household annually.
4. Application Links:
   • USFS Intermountain Region
   • BLM Utah Firewood Info

General Firewood Cutting Rules in Utah

1. Designated Cutting Areas:
   • Firewood cutting is allowed only in designated zones, which are marked on your permit. Maps are provided with permits.
2. What Can Be Cut:
   • Dead and downed wood is generally allowed.
   • Standing dead trees may be cut only with explicit permission in your permit.
3. Seasonal Restrictions:
   • Firewood cutting is typically allowed from spring to late fall, depending on fire danger and weather conditions.
4. Safety Requirements:
   • Chainsaws must have spark arrestors.
   • Carry basic firefighting tools such as a shovel, water, and a fire extinguisher.

Area-Specific Firewood Cutting Rules

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

• Permit Details:
  • Permits allow for up to 4 cords per household annually.
  • Firewood cutting is restricted to specific zones.
• Details and Maps:
  Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Firewood Info

Dixie National Forest

• Cutting Rules:
  • Permits are required for all firewood cutting activities.
  • Only dead and downed wood is allowed in designated areas.
• More Info:
  Dixie National Forest Firewood Permits

BLM Public Lands in Utah

• Rules:
  • Firewood cutting is limited to dead and downed wood in specific areas.
  • Permits are required and must be displayed during transportation.
• More Info:
  BLM Utah Firewood Info

Firewood Cutting on Private Lands in Utah

1. Landowner Permission:
   • Written permission from the landowner is required to harvest firewood on private property.
2. Timber Companies and Firewood Rights:
   • Some timber companies or private landowners sell permits for firewood cutting on their lands.
3. Prohibited Practices:
   • Cutting live trees without explicit permission is prohibited.

Transporting Firewood in Utah

Utah has specific regulations to prevent the spread of invasive pests like bark beetles and emerald ash borers.

1. Movement Restrictions:
   • Firewood must stay within the county or region where it was harvested unless certified as pest-free and heat-treated.
2. Buy Local, Burn Local:
   • Always use firewood sourced locally to reduce pest risks.

   More Info: Don’t Move Firewood – Utah

Penalties for Violations

Non-compliance with Utah’s firewood regulations can result in:

• Fines of up to $5,000.
• Confiscation of illegally harvested or transported firewood.
• Additional penalties for damaging public lands.

Tips for Responsible Firewood Harvesting in Utah

1. Follow Permit Guidelines:
   • Stick to designated cutting areas and adhere to the specific rules outlined in your permit.
2. Minimize Environmental Impact:
   • Scatter debris and avoid cutting near streams, trails, or wildlife habitats.
3. Check Restrictions:
   • Verify local fire bans or pest-related advisories before cutting or transporting firewood.

Resources for Firewood Cutting in Utah

• USFS Intermountain Region
• BLM Utah Firewood Info
• Utah Department of Natural Resources
• Invasive Species Rules – Utah

Always confirm current rules with local authorities before cutting or transporting firewood.