Christmas tree permits for National Forest System lands on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Austin-Tonopah, Ely, and Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger Districts are available for purchase in person or by phone .
For permit details, maps, current vendor list, safety tips, and types of trees that may be cut, visit: http://bit.ly/HTNFChristmasTreePermit.
The U.S. Forest Service Christmas Tree Program is designed for families, businesses, and institutions wishing to cut their own trees for decorating. Christmas tree permits are issued on a first-come, first- serve basis for $5 each, with a limit of five trees per household. Permits are nonrefundable and nontransferable and only valid through Dec. 25, 2024.
Each Christmas tree permit is valid for the cutting of one tree on lands managed by the Ranger District for which the permit was purchased. A map and cutting rules and regulations will be included with the permit.
The permit does not authorize cutting on private, state, or other federal lands. Christmas trees also cannot be harvested within developed campgrounds, administrative sites, or designated wilderness areas.
These permits go on sale several weeks before in-person or by phone ones. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit.
Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. Please be aware that if purchasing through Recreation.gov there will be an additional fee of $2.50 per transaction.
The topping of Christmas trees has resulted to serious problems in previous years by leaving behind high tree stumps.
Please ensure that the maximum height of the stump left behind is no taller than six inches above bare soil with no live branches left on the stump. REMEMBER TOPPING TREES IS NOT PERMITTED.
If you’ve purchased a Christmas tree permit in person, please make sure the adhesive tag is attached securely to the tree, so it is visible during transportation. If you purchased your permit through Recreation.gov, a copy of the permit is required to be placed visibly on your vehicle dashboard.
“Keep your family and your own safety in mind as you head out to look for a Christmas tree on National Forest lands,” said Stansfield. “Dress warmly and bring along a saw, shovel, map, snacks and water. Also make sure relatives or friends know where you are going and when to expect you home.”
Getting your tree early before the snow falls usually means better access on forest roads. High- clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles and traction devices are recommended when driving on mountain roads at this time of year. Vehicles with inadequate tires and/or no chains have caused extensive problems in the past, blocking roads and preventing other drivers from being able to enter or leave the cutting areas.
Most forest roads are not plowed in the winter. Leave early in the day to allow for maximum daylight. Be prepared for unpredictable weather, check road conditions before leaving, and always use caution when emerging onto main roads.
For additional information on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/htnf or participate in the conversation at https://twitter.com/HumboldtToiyabe and https://www.facebook.com/HumboldtToiyabeNF/.