Forest Service's Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit to begin issuing fuelwood permits

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin issuing personal use fuelwood permits on May 18.

To obtain a permit,  call 530-543-2600. Leave a message with your name and phone number and we will get back to you at our earliest convenience.

Permits have specific conditions and complete information will be provided when the permit is issued. Maps to designated cutting areas will also be provided and must be in the permit holder’s possession along with the valid permit when cutting.

The permit is for collection of “down-dead” wood in designated fuelwood areas within the Lake Tahoe Basin. "Down-dead" means the tree is down on the ground and dead, rather than dead and standing. Cutting any standing tree, whether dead or green, is not allowed.

Permit holders must keep vehicles on National Forest roads. No off-road travel is permitted, and permit holders must comply with all permit conditions. Some designated fuelwood areas are only open during specified dates and all areas are subject to closure at any time.

For a list of National Forest gate/road opening and closing dates, visit https://go.usa.gov/xHmKa. Gate/road opening and closing dates are subject to change and access may be delayed or limited due to wet conditions.

Permit holders are asked to respect private property and show courtesy regarding noise or collection activity on National Forest lands near homes or neighborhoods.

The Forest Service office in South Lake Tahoe is currently offering virtual services Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. If you have a question or need assistance, please call 530-543-2600 and leave a message or email us at pa_ltbmu@fs.fed.usand we will respond at our earliest convenience.