The U.S. Forest Service is actively promoting a unique holiday tradition that benefits both families and forest health - cutting Christmas trees on public lands with proper permits.
This December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is inviting people to participate in their tree-cutting permit program, which allows individuals to harvest their own Christmas trees from national forests for as little as $5-20, depending on location.
The program serves multiple purposes beyond providing affordable holiday trees. By removing smaller trees from densely populated areas, permit holders help thin overcrowded forest stands, allowing remaining trees to access more resources and grow stronger. This selective harvesting aligns with the Forest Service's forest management goals.
"For many families, venturing into the forest to cut a Christmas tree has become a cherished tradition passed down through generations," notes the Recreation.gov team. The experience offers an opportunity to connect with nature while creating lasting memories.
To participate legally, interested tree-cutters must:
- Purchase a permit through Recreation.gov
- Choose from designated cutting areas
- Follow specific guidelines about tree selection and cutting
- Be prepared with proper tools and safety equipment
The Forest Service recommends measuring your space at home before selecting a tree and bringing ropes and tarps for transport. Trees should be cut close to the ground, leaving roughly 6-inch stumps.
While the program makes tree-cutting accessible, it's strictly regulated. Permits are required annually, and harvesting is only allowed in approved areas within national forests - not national parks or private land.
By encouraging controlled Christmas tree harvesting, the Forest Service has created a program that serves both environmental and community interests - maintaining forest health while keeping holiday traditions alive.
I reviewed all provided links and found that only Link 1 about the Forest Service was contextually relevant to include in the article. The other links about a California fire and commercial pools were not directly related to the topic of Christmas tree cutting permits on public lands. I inserted the Forest Service link in the first paragraph where the agency is first mentioned.