Michigan DNR expands wood collection limits in storm-hit counties, offering residents affordable heating options and forest recovery support.

Fuelwood Permits Open Affordable Heating Option for Michigan Homes

LANSING — In response to the widespread damage caused by the March 30-31 ice storm, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that fuelwood permits are now available for residents seeking to gather dead and downed wood for personal home heating use.

Fuelwood permits cost $20 per household and allow the collection of five standard cords of wood on select state-managed lands across the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula. However, due to storm-related debris, residents in 12 affected counties are eligible to collect up to 10 cords this year.

A standard cord of wood measures 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 4 feet high.

Michigan Increases Fuelwood Limits in 12 Emergency Counties

To aid with cleanup and recovery, the DNR expanded the fuelwood collection limit in the following counties: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle.

Residents in these counties who purchased permits anytime since April 1 are automatically eligible for the 10-cord allowance. All wood must be collected within 200 feet of a road and only from already dead and downed trees.

This expansion aims to support storm recovery efforts while offering Michigan families a cost-effective resource for home heating.

Easy Access to Fuelwood Permits Across Michigan

Residents can obtain a fuelwood permit in three ways:

Online: Purchase directly at mdnr-elicense.com.
In Person: Available at DNR customer service centers in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula. Some forestry field offices also offer permits—residents should call ahead to confirm hours and availability.
By Mail: Send a completed fuelwood application to the DNR office managing the forest area where collection is intended.

Permits are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance but expire no later than December 31, 2025.

Safety Guidelines for Wood Collection in Storm-Damaged Areas

The DNR emphasizes safety when collecting fuelwood, especially in areas affected by the historic ice storm. Key rules include:

Vehicles must stay on the roadway; use a handcart or wheelbarrow to transport wood.
Only collect wood from trees that are already dead and downed. Do not cut standing trees, even if they appear dead.
Keep the permit on hand and complete the wood collection log before transporting.
Wood collected under this program is for personal use only and may not be sold or traded.
To prevent the spread of invasive pests, residents should collect firewood close to home and avoid moving it across the state.

The DNR also advises working in pairs and using protective gear such as hardhats, chainsaw chaps, leather gloves, and hearing protection.

Storm Recovery Remains a Priority for Michigan Officials

The March 30-31 ice storm left widespread damage across Michigan’s northern regions. In response, the DNR’s expanded fuelwood program supports both forest management and community recovery.

More details about storm impacts and available assistance can be found at Michigan.gov/IceStorm.

For specific questions about the fuelwood program, residents can visit Michigan.gov/Fuelwood or contact Jake Reid at 517-284-5908 or ReidJ6@Michigan.gov.

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