September 22, 2026 – Surplus wood in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is now available to the public by permit. Firewood permits are free and must be obtained before wood can be removed. There is a limit of six cords per family per year. Firewood is available on a first-come first-served basis until the supply is gone. This wood comes from dead trees that were cut because they posed a potential hazard to visitors or property within the parks.

Firewood Available by Location
Grant Grove: 70 cords Permit Contact: sprosser@nps.gov
Lodgepole (Dorst): 50 cords Permit Contact: atorres@nps.gov
Cedar Grove: 60 cords  Permit Contact: sprosser@nps.gov

The cutting and removal of wood is permitted seven days a week during daylight hours. Permits are only valid for what can be hauled, as wood cannot be reserved. Permits and access may be obtained by emailing the contacts for each area above. Permits must be displayed at all times.

Visitor safety and the protection of park resources during woodcutting operations is the priority of the National Park Service. Cutting or collection of any trees or wood other than identified in the permit and located in approved woodlots is prohibited.

All equipment must be in good working order. Proper personal protective equipment, including leather gloves, eye protection and chaps, is strongly encouraged. Permit holders are also encouraged to have another person present while cutting wood to serve as a spotter and assist with loading wood.

Each chainsaw must be equipped with a spark arrester, and exhaust systems must be in good repair. A serviceable, round-point shovel at least 46 inches long and an Underwriters Laboratories (UL)-approved fire extinguisher (two-pound dry chemical or one-pound foam type—ABC or greater) must be kept within 25 feet of where chainsaws are being operated. Logs in both lots are generally 12 to 30 inches in diameter. A chainsaw with an 18- to 24-inch bar is recommended for cutting these logs.

Permits are only valid in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, not in Sequoia National Forest or Giant Sequoia National Monument.

Source & photo: NPS