Sawtooth National Forest Christmas Tree Permit
This permit allows you to cut a Christmas Tree within designated areas of the Sawtooth National Forest! Lifelong memories are built during these special times and we are happy to help with any information gathering you'll need to make this trip a safe and enjoyable one.
Please be sure to read and agree to all the tips and guidelines when selecting your tree.
Need to Know
Selecting Your Tree
Do not cut whitebark pine. Whitebark pine has five needles in a bunch and grows at high elevations.
Tree Height: 20 feet maximum
Stump height: 8 inches maximum
Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree
If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height.
Where to Cut Your Tree
This permit authorizes the permittee to cut one Christmas tree, up to twenty feet in height, on National Forest System Lands within the Sawtooth National Forest
Areas closed to Christmas tree cutting include:
• All Wilderness Areas
• Within 200 feet of campgrounds, organization camps, summer homes, and Forest Service Facilities
• Within 150 feet of lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands on the Ketchum Ranger District and Sawtooth NRA
• Within 300 feet of lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands on the Fairfield and Minidoka Ranger District
• All State and private land within the National Forest boundary
• Other areas as designated by the Forest Service – see permit map
Areas closed to Christmas tree cutting are displayed on the permit map.
Do not drag trees across groomed cross country ski and snowmobile trails.
Winter recreation motorized and non-motorized travel restrictions apply. Check with local Forest Service Offices for information.
Planning Your Trip
Helpful Cutting Tips
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.
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, such as the north or east side of your house or under a shaded tree.
Tools you might want 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 your tree to your vehicle.
Cut the leftover branches from the stump and scatter them.
How to Plan Your Trip
Before you leave home, be sure to measure the space where you plan to place the tree in your home (height and width), and measure the space in your vehicle where you will be transporting the tree.
Cell service may be spotty or unavailable. Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect you back. Check the latest weather conditions, forest warnings and road closures before you leave on your trip. Bring a map with you. Don’t rely on GPS because it may not be up-to-date with forest service roads. Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow and winds. Bring plenty of food and water with you as well as an overnight survival kit in case you become stranded. Start your day early. Be sure to find your tree and leave the woods before dark.
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 a spare key and give it to someone else in your party. Don’t get locked out of your car! Park in areas so that traffic can get by safely, and do not block gates.
