Get your Christmas tree-cutting permit for Lincoln National Forest
PERMITS GO ON SALE NOV. 14, 2023
Christmas tree permits for the Lincoln National Forest will be available both online, and in forestry offices, beginning November 14, 2023.
Each year, the Lincoln National Forest sells Christmas tree permits, allowing participants to select and harvest their own tree. This is part of a national program hosted by U.S. National Forests.
Permits are available on a first come, first served basis. The permits cost $10.00, with a processing fee applied for any online transactions. There is a limit of one permit per household.
Permits will be available in-person at the Lincoln National Forest Supervisor’s Office, the Smokey Bear Ranger District Office, and Sacramento Ranger District Office, from November 14 - December 22, 2023. Online sales will remain open through December 31, 2023.
When purchasing a permit, is important to carefully read all information and review area maps in your packet and on the Recreation.gov website. Information on permitted harvest location, tree requirements, and special safety considerations are all available.
Free permits are available for fourth-grade students through the Every Kid Outdoors Program. For additional information, please visit www.everykidoutdoors.gov.
For more information, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln.
Christmas Tree Cutting Guidelines
How tall of a tree may I cut?
The tree may not exceed 10 feet in height. Remember to take an axe or saw to cut your tree.
How many permits may I purchase?
Permit sales are limited to one tree per household.
What will happen if I cut a tree without my permit?
You could be fined and your tree confiscated.
Where can I cut a tree?
Trees may be cut anywhere on US Forest Service lands except within wilderness areas, within 300 feet of a recreation site (campgrounds, developed trails, etc.) and/or within 100 feet of a paved road. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are on Forest Service lands and not on private land. A small map comes with your permit and is also available at www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln; however, a more detailed visitor map is available for purchase at any Lincoln National Forest office. A free Motor Vehicle Use Map is also available at any of our offices.
May I dig up a tree with this permit?
Yes. You may dig up a tree if you fill in the hole by caving in the sides and scraping in material from the surrounding area.
How do I display my permit?
If you have a sticky tag purchased from one of our offices, peel off the paper backing and fold the tag securely over onto itself around one of the lower branches. Alternatively, if you purchased your permit online, please print and place the permit so that it is clearly visible on the dashboard of your vehicle with the tree-cutting date field(s) completed.
Can I cut the top out of a tree?
No. You may not cut out a portion of the tree. The entire tree must be cut at the base of the tree as low to the ground as possible.
Can I get a refund if I do not use my permit?
All sales are final. No refunds will be made, even if adverse weather conditions prevent you from reaching a cutting area. No replacement will be made for lost permits.
Safety Tips:
• Dress warmly – it does get cold in the mountains.
• Start out with a full tank of gas.
• Carry blankets, matches and extra food in case of an emergency.
• Certain areas of the forest may have snowfall and travelers should be prepared with four-wheel-drive vehicles, chains and winter equipment as needed.
• Check the weather forecast before you leave home. The weather in the mountains can change suddenly and make your chosen area inaccessible.
• Be prepared to walk a slight distance to find your perfect tree.
