Christmas tree cutting permits on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will be paused this winter.
Christmas tree permits for National Forest System lands on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest's Bridgeport and Carson Ranger Districts will be available for purchase in person at multiple locations starting Friday.
For permit details, maps, current vendor list, safety tips, and types of trees that may be cut, visit: http://bit.ly/HTNFChristmasTreePermit.
"The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has a long history of welcoming holiday visitors into the Forest to cut their own Christmas trees," said Forest Supervisor Jon Stansfield. "This is a generational tradition for many families and maybe a new experience for those just getting acquainted with the program. Either way, it is a special way for the public to connect with and create memories within their local National Forest."
The U.S. Forest Service Christmas Tree Program is designed for families, businesses, and institutions wishing to cut their trees for decorating.
Forest officials suggest that people with two-wheel drive vehicles might want to cut their Christmas tree before winter arrives.
Christmas tree permits are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis for $10 each, with a limit of two trees per household. Permits are nonrefundable, nontransferable, and valid only through Christmas. The Carson Ranger District has limited Christmas tree permits available, and once those allotted permits are sold, no more will be available.
Each Christmas tree tag is valid for cutting one tree on lands managed by the ranger district for which the permit was purchased. A map, cutting rules, and regulations will be included with the permit. The permit does not authorize cutting on private, state, or other federal lands.
A Christmas tree permit can also be purchased online by visiting Recreation.gov and search for the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Christmas Tree Permits (https://bit.ly/RecreationgovHTNFChristmasTreePermits). These permits went on sale Oct. 21 and may sell out sooner. It is essential to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information before purchasing the permit. Visitors need to set up or log in 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.
Christmas trees cannot be harvested within developed campgrounds, administrative sites, or designated wilderness areas. Some areas in both the Bridgeport and Carson Ranger Districts are closed to Christmas tree cutting due to public safety and wildfire impacts. Please refer to the maps provided with the permit.
The topping of Christmas trees has resulted in severe problems in previous years by leaving behind high tree stumps. Please ensure that the maximum height of the stump left behind is at most 6 inches above bare soil with no live branches left on the stump.
If you have purchased a Christmas tree permit in person, attach it 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 on your vehicle dashboard.
"Keep your family and your safety in mind as you head out to look for a Christmas tree on National Forest lands," said Stansfield. "Dress warmly and bring a saw, shovel, map, snacks, and water. Also, ensure relatives or friends know where you are going and when to expect you home."
Remember, 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., which could carry a fine of up to $5,000 and six months in jail.
The Carson Ranger District also recommends that the public only cut Christmas trees in the Dog Valley area if they have a four-wheel drive and high-clearance vehicle. The Dog Valley Road, located near Verdi, Nevada, about 15 miles west of Reno, is a steep dirt road that is extremely hazardous when snow and ice are covered. The road is not accessible once the Reno-Sparks Metropolitan area receives significant snow.
