Christmas tree permits are available for purchase
Published atThe following is a news release from Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
IDAHO FALLS – Christmas tree permits are available now thru December 31. They can be purchased online and in-person through venders and at the district offices. Details regarding designated cutting areas, dates and height restrictions may be found at recreation.gov and here. Last year, the Forest sold 7,251 permits, in which 2,493 were from online sales.
To purchase a Christmas Tree permit, click here. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. Permits are $15 for trees up to 20 feet tall and limited to one per household. An additional fee is applied when utilizing the site.
Permits are still available through local ranger district offices and participating vendor locations. Call ahead for the options available to purchase your Christmas tree permit at local ranger district offices. Working with external vendors allows the Forest to offer permits during weekend and evening hours. Most Forest Service offices are closed on federal holidays and weekends. Vendor locations, as well as safety tips and how to properly care for your tree can be found on our website.
“For many families, bringing home a Christmas tree from the Caribou-Targhee National Forest is a cherished tradition,” said Tom Silvey, Timber Program Manager. “For families creating new traditions, a trip to the forest to cut their own Christmas tree may be an exciting experience as they discover the joy of hiking through the forest in search of the perfect holiday centerpiece.”
Weather changes fast in the area and road conditions can deteriorate quickly. The public is encouraged to harvest their tree as soon as possible. Many Forest roads are subject to seasonal closures. Know where you can go by downloading your free Motorized Vehicle Use Map and adhere to the Christmas tree cutting guidelines and maps.
The Every Kid Outdoors program provides one free Christmas Tree permit to any fourth grader who presents a valid Every Kid Outdoor pass. Keep in mind this offer can only be validated through the local Forest Service and recreation.gov site. Vendors are unable to provide free passes. The Every Kid Outdoors initiative allows fourth graders to go to the Every Kid Outdoors web site and obtain a pass for free entry for them and their families to more than 2,000 federally managed lands and waters for an entire year starting September 1, 2024.
For more information on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, click here.