The Forest Service is changing the way it issues firewood permits on the Huron-Manistee National Forests.

Beginning April 1, members of the public will be able to purchase a 12-month permit to cut firewood in the Huron-Manistee National Forests, and the cutting season will run from April 1 to March 31 of the following year. In the past, the permit was valid for only nine months, from April 1 to Dec. 31.

In addition, the restrictions of the permit will change. In the past, gathering of wood was restricted to standing dead or down (fallen live or dead) trees. The new permit will allow standing dead to be cut within 200 feet of open legal roads as shown on the Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map. Only dead and downed trees may be cut in other areas.

For information, contact the closest Forest Service office for the Huron National Forest (Mio Ranger District: (989) 826-3252) or Manistee National Forest (Cadillac/Manistee Ranger District: (231) 723-2211).