Ashley National Forest Christmas Tree Permit
This permit allows you to cut one Christmas Tree within designated areas of the Ashley National Forest!
It is your responsibility to ensure you are not on other National Forests, BLM, BIA, private or State lands.
Lifelong memories are built during this season and we are happy to help with any information you need to make this a safe and enjoyable experience.
Please be sure to read and agree to all the "Need to Know" information when selecting your tree.
Need to Know
Selecting Your Tree
Choose a tree from a dense forested area, which will give the remaining trees more space to grow. Cut the leftover branches from the stump and scatter them.
Take the whole tree! Do not remove the top of a tree! If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height. Leave only 6" of stump above the ground surface (not snow level).
Do not travel off road with your motor vehicle to look for, cut, or transport your Christmas tree. Avoid damaging (rutting) roads during wet periods. Clean up and remove all trash.
Park in areas so that traffic can get by safely - do not block roads or gates.
Where to Cut Your Tree
Cut your tree within the boundaries of the Ashley National Forest. Consult the Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps, available free of charge at Forest and District offices, for roads and trails open to motorized vehicles.
Maximum height is 15 feet. Cut your tree below the lowest live limb, leaving only 6 inches of stump above the ground surface (not snow level).
Do not cut within 200 feet of riparian areas (streams, lakes, meadows), roads, campgrounds, and administrative sites (including summer home areas & guard stations), or within designated closed areas on the map.
Do not cut on private land, in wilderness areas, designated campgrounds, existing tree plantations, active timber sales, or areas that have been planted with new trees.
This permit is for personal use only - trees cannot be resold or exchanged.
Planning Your Trip
Helpful Cutting Tips
Items to consider bringing with you include a measuring tape to ensure you select a tree that fits in your home, handsaw to cut your tree, gloves to protect your hands, boots to protect your feet, a tarp to sit on and/or to move your tree once it's cut, and rope or straps to secure the tree to your vehicle.
Once home, cut the bottom of the trunk off and place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket of water. Replenish water. If storing your tree outside for a few days before putting it in the house, keep it in an area protected from the wind.
Carry your tree carefully out of the woods. Dragging the tree will rub off needles and bark. If the tree is too big to transport inside of your vehicle, wrap it in canvas to prevent wind damage.
How to Plan Your Trip
You must print and bring your Christmas Tree Permit with you. The Permit must be clearly visible on your dashboard.
Before leaving home, measure the space where you plan to place the tree (height and width), and measure the space in your vehicle where you will be transporting the tree. Bring the tape measure with you to the forest.
Start your day early. Be sure to find your tree and leave the woods before dark. Check the latest weather conditions, forest warnings and road closures before you head out to the forest. Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow and winds.
Cell service may be spotty or unavailable. Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect you back. Bring a map - don’t rely on GPS.
Roads may not be plowed. Carry tire chains, shovel(s) and a tow chain. Be sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. Bring plenty of food and water with you, as well as an overnight survival kit, in case you become stranded.
