If you’re feeling ambitious and want to cut your own Christmas tree, Lincoln National Forest will begin selling Christmas tree permits on November 14, 2024. The cost is $10 each plus a $2.50 processing fee with a limited number of permits available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a limit of one permit per household. Online Christmas Tree Permits

The U.S. Forest Service has issued an Area Closure Order for parts of the Smokey Bear Ranger District in Lincoln National Forest, effective July 29 to November 1, 2024, due to public health and safety concerns from recent wildfires and potential flooding. The order prohibits public access to specified lands, roads, and trails. Exemptions apply to certain permit holders and officials. For details, visit Lincoln National Forest Alerts.

In response to the ongoing Blue 2 wildfire, the U.S. Forest Service has issued an area closure order for all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within and around the White Mountain Wilderness, from NFSR 107 and Big Bonito Trail #36, to Aspen Trail #35, Crest Trail #25, Rodamaker Trail #20, and back to NFSR 107. This closure is essential to protect firefighter personnel and the public, as suppression tactics actively manage the wildfire.