Firewood Gathering Available by Permit at State Parks
Certain regional state parks maintained for winter day-use
Kalispell, MT — With the arrival of winter weather, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is reminding residents that firewood gathering for personal, non-commercial use is allowed at certain state parks in Region 1, including the Thompson Chain of Lakes between Kalispell and Libby.
Firewood gatherers must have a permit in hand before collecting anything from a FWP site. A limited number of certain trees are designated for firewood collection.
In recent years, FWP has investigated several illegal firewood thefts at Region 1 sites. These popular public sites have lost a significant number of standing and fallen trees that were illegally removed. The lost trees can expose shorelines to erosion problems and diminish forested campsite areas, as well as harm important habitat trees for eagles, ospreys and other wildlife.
To report any illegal cutting, please call 1-800 TIP-MONT (847-6668) or the FWP Region 1 office at (406) 752-5501.
In wintertime, FWP maintains certain state parks for vehicle day-use. All sites remain open to walk-in use. Montana State Parks sites provide unique opportunities for recreation in wintertime, such as ice fishing, as well as educational programs at certain sites, such as Lone Pine State Park. On Dec. 8, Lone Pine is hosting a Winter Survivalist Ranger Talk and on Dec. 15 a Winter Survival Basics program. Space is limited and tickets can be purchased from the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 1 Facebook page.
Montana State Parks in Region 1 Maintained for Winter Day-use
- Whitefish Lake State Park
- Logan State Park and the Thompson Chain of Lakes
- Flathead Lake State Park – Wayfarers, Yellow Bay, Big Arm and West Shore
- Lake Mary Ronan State Park
- Lone Pine State Park upper entrance and Foys Lake Access
Not Maintained for Winter Day-use
- Finley Point unit of Flathead Lake State Park
- Thompson Falls State Park
- Les Mason State Park
- Valley View entrance to Lone Pine State Park
For more information about Montana State Parks, visit stateparks.mt.gov.
