National Forest Christmas Tree Permits Available

Christmas tree permits are available for $5 cash at each of the Flathead National Forest offices in Kalispell, Hungry Horse and Bigfork as well as the Lolo National Forest District Offices. Additionally, permits can be purchased from a variety of retail vendors in the area.  Each permit is good for the harvest of one tree from National Forest Land, with a maximum of three permits per household. 

 As part of the national Every Kid in a Park initiative, all fourth graders are eligible for one free Christmas tree permit.  For students to receive a free tree permit, they must present a valid Every Kid in the Park Pass.  To obtain the pass, visit http://www.everykidinapark.gov, follow the instructions on the website then print out the paper voucher.  Bring the voucher to a Forest Service office to claim the free permit.  The fourth grader and adult must present the voucher in person at the office location. Vouchers are also available at the Seeley Lake Ranger District.

 The Forest Service is one of several federal agencies participating in the Every Kid in a Park initiative, a nationwide call to action to inspire young people across the country to visit their national parks, forests, public lands and waters.  Getting outdoors to find and cut the family Christmas tree is one way for kids and families to explore, learn and play in these special places that belong to all of us.

 The forest has an abundant choice of trees and areas from which to choose for selecting your tree. Help us keep a healthy forest by not cutting trees in campgrounds or other developed areas, plantations, in previously thinned stands and areas posted as closed to Christmas tree harvest. 

Please select a tree that is four inches or less at the stump. Cut the stump as close to the ground as possible and don’t harvest an oversized tree to just utilize the top portion. 

Once your tree is cut, securely fasten the permit at the base of the tree before transporting.

 Before you go, check the weather forecast and always let someone know where you are going and when you are expected to return.  Maps are available for purchase at the District offices.

The Christmas Tree Harvest Guide and a complete list of vendors can be found on the Forest’s website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/flathead/passes-permits/forestproducts.  For more information about vendors and cutting trees on area National Forests, please contact a local office: Swan Lake Ranger District 406-837-7500 or Seeley Lake Ranger District: 406-677-2233