News Release Provided By Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division

LANSING, MICH. Due to the extreme temperatures, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today suspended the requirement for fuelwood permits on state-managed forest lands and game areas to allow people to gather fuel to heat their homes.

Suspension of the permit requirement will be effective through Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. All other rules regarding collection of fuelwood on state lands continue to apply. More information regarding these rules can be found at: Michigan.gov/fuelwood.

Fuelwood permits for state lands are typically issued in April and fuelwood collection normally ends Dec. 31.

Collection of firewood is limited to within 200 feet of a state forest road. Cutting live tree remains prohibited. Collection of firewood from trees cut as part of an active contracted DNR timber sale is also prohibited as these trees are the legal property of the logging contractor. This announcement does not apply to state parks or recreation areas, where collection of firewood is not allowed.

To protect against the spread of pests and disease, it is recommended that firewood not be moved long distances.

Residents may consult an online map to determine the location of state forest land nearest to their residence.