Forest Service cut-your-own tree permits available

NHPR's Rick Ganley and Mary McIntyre harvested a Christmas tree (with a permit) from the White Mountain National Forest in 2018. SEAN HURLEY

Published: 11-08-2023 3:57 PM

Forest Service Christmas tree permits available for purchase

CWhite Mountain National Forest officials are welcoming the public to select and cut a Christmas tree on the WMNF with the purchase of a $5 permit. Permits are available for purchase online (an additional $2.50 service fee applies) at recreation.gov/tree-permits or in-person at a WMNF office. Fourth graders with an “Every Kid Outdoors” pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit.

Additional information to know:

■Only 1 permit issued per household per year. Trees are for personal use only, not for resale. Each family may cut one tree per permit per year.

■Use only hand tools to cut Christmas trees. Chainsaws are not permitted.

■Make sure you are on National Forest land. Respect the rights of landowners when crossing private property.

■Do not cut trees within 100 feet of campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads or developed recreation areas, experimental forests, designated wilderness areas, water bodies, active timber sales.

■Do not cut trees within 100 feet of paved roads and 50 feet from dirt roads.

■When you purchase the permit ask if there are any known “off limit” areas.

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