How to (Legally) Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in the National Forest
If you are planning to bring a live evergreen tree to your home to celebrate the holiday season (and haven’t done so yet), you may find that there are dedicated Christmas tree farms in common places (like street corners, wastelands, etc.). But even if that is not the case, this year you can try a new tree source. What does the US national forest sound like?
It may sound illegal, but if you choose the right channels, it is absolutely possible. Plus, it can even help keep forests healthy. Here’s what you need to know about getting a permit through the program.
Getting a Christmas tree from the national forest
Before you pick up an ax, saw, or other tree felling tool, there are a few things you need to know about this program. First off, a quick clarification: US national forests (maintained and managed by the USDA Forest Service) are not the same as US national parks. So don’t wander into the national park hoping to chop down a tree.
If you are unsure if the tree group you are thinking is actually the National Forest, visit this page at Recreation.gov and enter either the name of your state or the name of the forest you grew up in. intelligence. If you do have a national forest in your area and this is one of over 90% of Christmas tree permits sold (and not out of print), you are on the right track to get this tree.
How to get permission
Permits to cut a Christmas tree in the national forest can be purchased online or, in some cases, at the forest office if it reopens after COVID closure. (If you decide to buy it in person, call ahead to make sure the office is open and they still have permits.) Each permit costs between $ 5 and $ 20 , depending on the forest location.
This should be taken for granted, but only cut down trees in designated and approved areas of the forest – it’s not free for everyone.
How this program helps the forests
The idea of chopping down a tree in a national forest may sound strange, but according to the U.S. Forest Service, it actually improves the health of the forest:
The permit system helps to thin out densely populated stands of small trees. Local forest health professionals identify areas that are best thinned out and are usually ideal for Christmas trees. Removing these trees in designated areas will help other trees grow in size and open up areas for food for wildlife.
Just be sure to follow all the rules and regulations when choosing and chopping a tree.