Missoula, Mont., Nov. 10, 2022 — The holiday season is approaching, and Christmas tree permits are now available for purchase at Lolo National Forest office locations! Permits may also be purchased on www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/lolo with a $2.50 transaction fee in addition to the cost of the tree(s). For both Recreation.gov and office purchases, up to three trees may be harvested per permit for $5 a tree.
“Harvesting a National Forest Christmas tree for the holiday season is a long-standing tradition on the Lolo National Forest,” said Kate Jerman, Lolo National Forest spokesperson. “We encourage the public to check-in with their local offices for suggested harvest locations, tips, and regulations. This year, we are also excited to offer fourth graders a free Christmas tree permit through the Every Kid Outdoors program.”
Additional Information for Office Purchase: Please visit the Lolo National Forest website for a list of office locations and hours. Cash, personal check, and credit cards are accepted at all office locations (exact change is encouraged).
Additional Information for Purchase on Recreation.gov: For online purchase, set up an account on Recreation.gov in advance. Navigate to the Lolo National Forest Christmas Tree page. Carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Permits need to be printed.
Free Christmas Tree Permits for Fourth Graders! Through the Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) program, fourth graders are eligible for one FREE Christmas tree permit! Fourth graders must present a valid EKO pass or paper voucher at a Lolo National Forest office to receive a free permit. To obtain the pass or paper voucher, fourth graders need to visit www.everykidoutdoors.gov. Vouchers can also be redeemed on Recreation.gov, please visit the Lolo National Forest website for further instructions.
Christmas Tree Cutting Regulations:
- Your permit allows you to cut Christmas trees on the Lolo National Forest only, except for locations described below.
- Up to three trees can be harvested per permit for $5 a tree.
- Make sure you cut your tree on public lands by checking a Lolo National Forest Visitor Map and follow road restrictions on the Motor Vehicle Use Map.
- Do not cut trees in the Blue Mountain and Pattee Canyon Recreation Areas or the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area.
- Do not cut on private land, in wilderness areas, designated recreation sites, previously thinned areas, or existing tree plantations.
- Do not cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees.
- Do not cut trees visible from major roads, within 150-feet of streams or creeks, or in other well-used areas.
- Please post your permit on your dashboard.
- Tree Height: 12 feet maximum
- Stump height: 6 inches maximum
- Take the whole tree. Cutting the tree top off is prohibited.
- If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height.
- Cut branches off the stump and scatter them.
For harvest tips and information on how to care for your tree, please visit the Lolo National Forest webpage or follow us on Facebook @LoloNationalForest and Twitter @LoloNF.
