Firewood cut in the Hiawatha National Forest is pictured. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service)

GLADSTONE — The Hiawatha National Forest is extending free personal use firewood cutting permits across the forest until May 15, according to an announcement from organizers.

“As a continued public benefit during this difficult time, the Hiawatha National Forest is extending free personal use firewood permits,” said Cid Morgan, Hiawatha Forest Supervisor, in the announcement. “The Forest is working to bring the ease of firewood permits online as well, hopefully into 2021.”

Currently free personal use firewood permits would be set to expire at the end of 2020. If folks have already obtained a permit, it will automatically extend into 2021 and there is no need to obtain a new permit.

If you wish to purchase a permit during this time of social distancing, a personal use firewood permit will be issued upon request by calling one of its district offices.