{ "generated": "2026-10-29", "lastVerifiedLabel": "Oct 2026", "states": { "CO": "Colorado", "OR": "Oregon", "WA": "Washington", "CA": "California", "AZ": "Arizona", "UT": "Utah", "ID": "Idaho", "MT": "Montana", "MI": "Michigan", "MN": "Minnesota", "WI": "Wisconsin", "IL": "Illinois", "WV": "West Virginia", "NH": "New Hampshire", "VT": "Vermont", "MO": "Missouri", "OH": "Ohio", "PA": "Pennsylvania" }, "forests": [ { "slug": "arapaho-roosevelt", "name": "Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests", "state": "CO", "status": "2026", "statusNote": "2026 season dates published by the Forest Service; price and tree limit from the Recreation.gov listing.", "price": "$20 per tree", "price_num": 20, "fees": "Recreation.gov charges a $2.50 reservation fee on the free 4th-grade permit (per Forest Service page).", "limit": "Up to 5 trees on one Recreation.gov permit. Household limit not stated on the Forest Service page.", "onSale": "Oct 8, 2026 – Jan 6, 2027", "cutting": "Canyon Lakes RD: Nov 21 – Jan 6. Sulphur RD: Nov 7 – Jan 6.", "size": "Trunk 6 in. or less in diameter (strictly enforced); cut 6 in. or less from the ground; no topping.", "where": "Only on the Sulphur Ranger District (Grand County) and Canyon Lakes Ranger District (Larimer County). Elk Creek cutting area is walk-in only this season. No cutting within 75 ft of any road or trail, or trees marked with blue paint.", "buy": "Online at Recreation.gov (in advance). No refunds.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — free permit through Recreation.gov with an Every Kid Outdoors pass ($2.50 reservation fee).", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/225c1015-e631-11ea-8a7e-f638cd389a69", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Trees (ARP)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp/permits/christmas-trees", "updated": "Oct 8, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/225c1015-e631-11ea-8a7e-f638cd389a69", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 24, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "usesRecgovData": true, "notes": [] }, { "slug": "grand-mesa-uncompahgre-gunnison", "name": "Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests", "state": "CO", "status": "2026", "statusNote": "2026 sale and cutting dates published by the Forest Service.", "price": "$8 per tree", "price_num": 8, "fees": "$2.50 transaction fee applies to the free 4th-grade permit if obtained on Recreation.gov.", "limit": "One tree per permit; 5 permits per household", "onSale": "Nov 12 – Dec 31, 2026 (4:30 p.m.)", "cutting": "Starts Nov 14, 2026; permits expire midnight Dec 31", "size": "Max height 20 ft; max 6 in. diameter at the base; stump no more than 6 in. high; no topping.", "where": "Cutting prohibited in administrative sites, picnic areas, campgrounds, trailheads, scenic pullouts, plantations, timber sales, Wilderness, ski areas and along trails.", "buy": "Recreation.gov. Call your local ranger district for current availability.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — free with an Every Kid Outdoors voucher or pass at a Forest Service office or Recreation.gov (not vendors); $2.50 fee online.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/23eec49f-ec5f-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree (GMUG)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/permits/christmas-tree", "updated": "Oct 8, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "usesRecgovData": false, "notes": [] }, { "slug": "pike-san-isabel", "name": "Pike and San Isabel National Forests", "state": "CO", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 dates come from the Recreation.gov permit listing. Prices come from the Forest Service page (last updated Mar 11, 2026), which does not state a season year.", "price": "Pike NF districts: $20 per tree. San Isabel NF districts: $10 per tree.", "price_num": 10, "fees": "Not stated on the Forest Service page.", "limit": "Pike districts: 5 per family. San Isabel districts: 2 per family.", "onSale": "South Platte RD: online only, from Oct 8 (8 a.m. MT), limited and may sell out. Pikes Peak, South Park, Salida, Leadville, San Carlos: Nov 16.", "cutting": "South Platte (Buffalo Creek, Sugar Creek): Friday after Thanksgiving through Sat. Dec 19, 2026 (make-up day). Pikes Peak: through Dec 23. South Park, Salida, Leadville, San Carlos: through Dec 31.", "size": "Up to 15 ft tall or 6 in. diameter at ground level; cut within 6 in. of the ground; hand saw or axe only (no chainsaws).", "where": "Not within 200 ft of developed areas (campgrounds, trailheads, overlooks); not within 100 ft of any waterway, road or trail; no Wilderness, timber sales or painted/flagged trees.", "buy": "Recreation.gov (must print permit). San Isabel offices accept cash, check or card; Westcliffe and La Veta offices cash or check only.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — free via Recreation.gov by entering the Every Kid Outdoors pass/voucher number.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/49f7193c-e64e-11ea-a244-5e6d4b9f6262", "notes": [ "The Forest Service page's purchase-date table (Nov 7/17/18, Dec 2) differs from the 2026 Recreation.gov listing (Nov 16). We show the Recreation.gov 2026 dates; confirm with your district.", "The Recreation.gov listing says South Park cutting is allowed Nov 7 – Dec 31 while sales start Nov 16. Ask the district before you go." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Recreation.gov: Pike and San Isabel Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/49f7193c-e64e-11ea-a244-5e6d4b9f6262", "updated": "2026 season listing" }, { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree Permits (PSICC)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/psicc/permits/christmas-tree-permits", "updated": "Mar 11, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "white-river", "name": "White River National Forest", "state": "CO", "status": "2026", "statusNote": "2026 dates from the forest's Recreation.gov listing (updated Oct 22, 2026). Price and rules from the Forest Service page (updated Oct 26, 2026).", "price": "$10 per permit", "price_num": 10, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "5 permits per person", "onSale": "Online sales open Nov 12, 2026 (Recreation.gov).", "cutting": "Nov 16 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov). Winter travel season begins Nov 23 and many forest roads close to wheeled travel that day.", "size": "Under 15 ft tall; stump diameter 6 in. or less; cut 6 in. or less from the ground. No Colorado blue spruce. No topping.", "where": "Not in Wilderness or proposed Wilderness. Not in developed recreation areas, including Glenwood Canyon. Not in administrative areas, campgrounds or ski areas. Not in commercial timber sales where logging is active. Not within 100 ft of main roads. Not in the Camp Hale area (Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District). Not on White River National Forest lands within Gunnison County (Aspen-Sopris Ranger District). Not on the lower slopes of Meadow Mountain directly behind the Holy Cross Ranger Station outside Minturn. Not in the Grizzly Creek Fire and Deep Creek Fire area closures.", "buy": "Recreation.gov, local vendors, and ranger districts in Dillon, Meeker, Minturn and Rifle. Sales final.", "fourthGrade": "Not mentioned on the forest's page — ask the district.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/0377bfa0-e64c-11ea-b327-2e4b29211486", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree Permits (White River)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/permits/christmas-tree-permits", "updated": "Oct 26, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: White River National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/0377bfa0-e64c-11ea-b327-2e4b29211486", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 24, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "usesRecgovData": true, "notes": [] }, { "slug": "deschutes", "name": "Deschutes National Forest", "state": "OR", "status": "current", "statusNote": "Standing Forest Service guidance (last updated Nov 24, 2025). 2026 sale dates not yet posted.", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Recreation.gov adds a service fee; $2.50 on the free 4th-grade permit.", "limit": "5 permits per household", "onSale": "Seasonal on Recreation.gov — 2026 date not yet posted", "cutting": "Not stated", "size": "Any species under 12 ft tall; trunk 6 in. or less; stumps under 12 in.; tree must be within 20 ft of another tree.", "where": "At least 150 ft from main roads, highways, recreation sites and campgrounds; 300 ft from streams and water; not in plantations or Wilderness.", "buy": "Recreation.gov (print permit), local Central Oregon vendors, or Forest Service offices.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — free with an Every Kid Outdoors pass via Recreation.gov ($2.50 fee) or at Central Oregon Forest Service offices.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/b8d732af-ec55-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Trees (Deschutes)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/permits/christmas-trees", "updated": "Nov 24, 2025" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "usesRecgovData": false, "notes": [] }, { "slug": "fremont-winema", "name": "Fremont-Winema National Forest", "state": "OR", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing. Rules from the Forest Service page (updated Apr 13, 2026).", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "Up to 5 trees on one Recreation.gov permit.", "onSale": "Online sales opened Oct 8, 2026 (Recreation.gov).", "cutting": "Oct 13 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Max 15 ft tall; stump diameter max 6 in.; stump under 12 in. tall. Bly, Lakeview, Paisley, Silver Lake RDs: ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, white fir, incense cedar. Chemult, Chiloquin, Klamath RDs: ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, white fir.", "where": "Valid in Klamath and Lake Counties on Forest land only. Not in Wilderness, experimental forests, plantations, active timber sales, recreation or admin sites, or within 100 ft of stream banks. Sno-Park permit needed at designated Sno-Parks.", "buy": "Recreation.gov — print the permit and display it on your dashboard.", "fourthGrade": "Not mentioned on the forest's pages — ask the district.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/cabe5080-ec53-11ea-bcba-fa43c1aabce3", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree Cutting Information", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/fremont-winema/permits/christmas-tree-cutting-information", "updated": "Apr 13, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Fremont-Winema Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/cabe5080-ec53-11ea-bcba-fa43c1aabce3", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 24, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [] }, { "slug": "malheur", "name": "Malheur National Forest", "state": "OR", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing. Rules from the Forest Service page (updated Jun 9, 2026).", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "Up to 5 trees on one Recreation.gov permit.", "onSale": "Online sales opened Oct 8, 2026 (Recreation.gov).", "cutting": "Oct 10 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Max 12 ft tall; stump max 12 in.; there must be another tree within 20 ft. Tag each tree right after cutting.", "where": "Not within 50 ft of any road, or 150 ft of Highway 26, County Road 62 and Forest Road 16. No Wilderness, campgrounds, plantations or active timber sales.", "buy": "Recreation.gov, any Malheur NF office, or vendors: Bear Valley Store (Seneca), John Day Hardware, Harney County Chamber of Commerce, Reid's Market (Burns), Hines Market.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — free permit through Every Kid Outdoors.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/774ccb11-ec55-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree Permits (Malheur)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/malheur/permits/christmas-tree-permits", "updated": "Jun 9, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Malheur Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/774ccb11-ec55-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 24, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [] }, { "slug": "mt-hood", "name": "Mt. Hood National Forest", "state": "OR", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 dates from the forest's Recreation.gov listing. Rules are the standing Forest Service guidance (page updated Dec 31, 2025).", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Recreation.gov charges a $2.50 service fee. No extra fee at vendors or district offices.", "limit": "5 trees per household per year", "onSale": "Online sales open Nov 12, 2026 (Recreation.gov).", "cutting": "Nov 12 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Max 15 ft (larger trees at a per-foot cost from your ranger district); stump 6 in. or less; another tree must be growing within 12 ft.", "where": "Not within 100 ft of highways (26, 35, 216, 224) or trails, 200 ft of campgrounds, 300 ft of streams or lakes; not in Wilderness, the Bull Run Watershed, The Dalles Municipal Watershed or Camp Baldwin.", "buy": "Recreation.gov, local vendors (Estacada, Dufur, Hood River, Sandy, The Dalles, Tygh Valley, Welches), or the Sandy and Zigzag district offices. Last season the Dufur and Parkdale offices did not sell permits.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — free at the Sandy or Zigzag office (the 4th grader must be present) or on Recreation.gov ($2.50 fee). Not from vendors.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/300259cb-ec55-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Trees (Mt. Hood)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mthood/permits/christmas-trees", "updated": "Dec 31, 2025" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Mt. Hood Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/300259cb-ec55-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 24, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [] }, { "slug": "siuslaw", "name": "Siuslaw National Forest", "state": "OR", "status": "2026", "statusNote": "2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing. Rules from the Forest Service page (updated Apr 13, 2026).", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "One tree per permit; 5 permits per household", "onSale": "Online sales opened Oct 8, 2026 (Recreation.gov). Also sold at district offices.", "cutting": "Oct 13 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov). Permit valid until Dec 31.", "size": "Max 12 ft tall; trunk 6 in. or less; cut no more than 6 in. above the ground.", "where": "Designated areas only (Hebo and Central Coast RD maps). Not within 200 ft of campgrounds or recreation sites, 100 ft of trails; not in Oregon Dunes NRA, Wilderness, Botanical or Research Natural Areas.", "buy": "Recreation.gov or a district office. Must buy from the forest where you'll cut.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — one free tree with an Every Kid Outdoors pass.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/0f9f2088-ec53-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74", "notes": [ "The Forest Service notes that right-sized trees can be hard to find on the Siuslaw (mostly Douglas-fir) and suggests the Willamette or Deschutes for fir species or smaller trees." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree Permits (Siuslaw)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/siuslaw/permits/christmas-tree-permits", "updated": "Apr 13, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Siuslaw National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/0f9f2088-ec53-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 24, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "usesRecgovData": true }, { "slug": "umpqua", "name": "Umpqua National Forest", "state": "OR", "status": "2026", "statusNote": "Confirmed for 2026 by a Forest Service news release dated Oct 16, 2026.", "price": "Free in 2026", "price_num": 0, "fees": "None.", "limit": "4 trees per household per season; no resale", "onSale": "No purchase needed — print the free guidelines and district map", "cutting": "Oct 19 – Dec 31, 2026", "size": "See the printed cutting guidelines from the forest's Special Forest Products page.", "where": "Designated cutting areas shown on the district maps.", "buy": "No permit purchase. Print the free cutting guidelines and district map from the Umpqua Special Forest Products page.", "fourthGrade": "Not applicable — trees are free for everyone in 2026.", "recgov": null, "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service news release: Free Christmas Tree Permits on the Umpqua (Oct 16, 2026)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/umpqua/newsroom/releases/free-christmas-tree-permits-umpqua-national-forest", "updated": "Oct 15, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "usesRecgovData": false, "notes": [] }, { "slug": "willamette", "name": "Willamette National Forest", "state": "OR", "status": "current", "statusNote": "Standing Forest Service guidance (updated Nov 22, 2025). 2026 sale dates not yet posted.", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "A small processing fee applies on Recreation.gov.", "limit": "5 permits per household", "onSale": "Every holiday season — 2026 date not yet posted", "cutting": "Not stated", "size": "Trees up to 15 ft tall.", "where": "Designated areas only; some areas are closed — check the maps on Recreation.gov.", "buy": "Recreation.gov, Willamette NF offices, or local vendors (Bi-Mart stores, plus markets in Springfield/Eugene, Sweet Home/Lebanon/Albany, McKenzie River and Lowell/Oakridge).", "fourthGrade": "Yes — free at Willamette NF offices or via Recreation.gov (small processing fee). Not from vendors.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/ebd4facc-ec56-11ea-bcba-fa43c1aabce3", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree Permits (Willamette)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/forest-products/christmas-tree-permits", "updated": "Nov 22, 2025" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "usesRecgovData": false, "notes": [] }, { "slug": "ochoco", "name": "Ochoco National Forest", "state": "OR", "status": "current", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "Standing rules from the Forest Service permits page (updated Oct 15, 2026) and the Recreation.gov listing. Price and 2026 dates are not published on either page yet.", "price": "Not listed on the official pages — shown at checkout on Recreation.gov", "price_num": null, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "One permit is required for each tree. Five permits maximum per household.", "onSale": "2026 date not yet posted.", "cutting": "Not yet posted.", "size": "Any species less than 12 ft tall. Only take a tree that is within 20 ft of another tree. Take the whole tree; don't remove just the top. Stump height: shorter than 12 in. (Forest Service page); 6 in. maximum (Recreation.gov listing).", "where": "National Forest land only; not on private property. Not within 150 ft of state highways, picnic areas, campgrounds and other developed areas. Not within 300 ft of streams and bodies of water. Not in young tree plantations or active timber sales. Not in designated Wilderness (Mill Creek, Bridge Creek and Black Canyon). Respect road and area closures and follow the Motor Vehicle Use Maps. An Oregon Sno-Park permit is required to park at designated Sno-Parks.", "buy": "Online at Recreation.gov. In person, permits may be available at R&R Grocery and Bi-Mart in Prineville, and at Bi-Mart and the Madras Chamber of Commerce in Madras.", "fourthGrade": "Not mentioned on the forest's permits page — ask the district.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/35adbed1-ec56-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (Ochoco)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco/permits", "updated": "Oct 15, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Ochoco National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/35adbed1-ec56-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "updated": "listing checked Oct 24, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [ "Quality Christmas trees here include grand fir, Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine and western juniper. Pines typically grow on south and west slopes; firs on north and east slopes.", "Roads may not be plowed and cell service may be spotty. Carry tire chains and a shovel, and bring extra food and water." ] }, { "slug": "rogue-river-siskiyou", "name": "Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest", "state": "OR", "status": "current", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "Price and rules from the Forest Service Christmas Trees page (updated Oct 14, 2026), plus the Recreation.gov listing. Neither page names 2026 sale or cutting dates yet.", "price": "$5 per tree.", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Online purchases on Recreation.gov carry a small transaction fee.", "limit": "One permit is required for each Christmas tree. Five permits maximum per household.", "onSale": "2026 date not yet posted.", "cutting": "Not yet posted.", "size": "Any tree species less than 12 ft tall. Only take a tree that is within 12 ft of another tree. Cut stumps shorter than 12 in. Take the whole tree and don't remove just the top (Recreation.gov listing).", "where": "Only on lands open to Christmas tree harvest, shown on the forest's Christmas Tree Harvest Map. Not on private property. Not within 200 ft of state highways, picnic areas, campgrounds and other developed areas (Forest Service page); the Recreation.gov listing says 150 ft. Not within 300 ft of streams and bodies of water. Not in posted young tree plantations or active timber sales. Not in Wilderness Areas, Wild and Scenic River corridors, campgrounds, developed recreation areas, National Monuments, Research Natural Areas or Areas of Critical Environmental Concern. Not in areas closed for public health and safety. Respect road and area closures and follow the Motor Vehicle Use Maps.", "buy": "At any Interagency or District office, or from local vendors (call ahead to make sure they have permits). Online at Recreation.gov. Permits bought online must be printed to be valid.", "fourthGrade": "Mentioned on the forest's page (not shown on this site).", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/736d3acd-ec56-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Trees (Rogue River-Siskiyou)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/rogue-siskiyou/permits/christmas-trees", "updated": "Oct 14, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/736d3acd-ec56-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "updated": "listing checked Oct 24, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [ "Permits must be validated and attached to your tree while you transport it.", "Free digital Christmas tree maps (Medford area; Grants Pass and coastal area) are available on the Avenza Maps app, which works without cell service.", "An Oregon Sno-Park permit is required to park at a Sno-Park (Recreation.gov listing).", "Roads may not be plowed and cell service may be spotty. Carry tire chains and a shovel, and bring extra food and water." ] }, { "slug": "colville", "name": "Colville National Forest", "state": "WA", "status": "latest", "statusNote": "Policy announced for the 2025 season ('Beginning in 2025…'). No 2026-specific notice yet.", "price": "Free — no permit required (since 2025)", "price_num": 0, "fees": "None.", "limit": "Not stated", "onSale": "No permit needed", "cutting": "Not stated", "size": "Not stated — check the forest's downloadable maps.", "where": "Colville National Forest lands (over 1.5 million acres). Download the forest maps first.", "buy": "No permit or authorization required.", "fourthGrade": "Not applicable — no permit required.", "recgov": null, "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree Maps (Colville)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/colville/maps-guides/christmas-tree-maps", "updated": "Dec 12, 2025" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "usesRecgovData": false, "notes": [] }, { "slug": "gifford-pinchot", "name": "Gifford Pinchot National Forest", "state": "WA", "status": "2026", "statusNote": "2026 dates from the forest's Recreation.gov listing. Rules from the Forest Service page (updated Jun 10, 2026).", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Additional administrative fees apply to online sales.", "limit": "5 trees per household", "onSale": "Online sales open Nov 12, 2026 (Recreation.gov).", "cutting": "Nov 12 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "See the forest's 'How to Select and Cut a Tree' page.", "where": "See the forest's maps after you buy.", "buy": "Recreation.gov, district offices (Cowlitz Valley – Randle; Mt. Adams – Trout Lake; Mount St. Helens – Amboy), or local vendors. Sales final.", "fourthGrade": "Not stated on the permit page — ask the district.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/969654f7-ec52-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Get Your Christmas Tree Permit (Gifford Pinchot)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/giffordpinchot/permits/get-your-christmas-tree-permit", "updated": "Jun 10, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/969654f7-ec52-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 24, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "usesRecgovData": true, "notes": [] }, { "slug": "okanogan-wenatchee", "name": "Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest", "state": "WA", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 dates and price from the forest's Recreation.gov listing (2026 season record added Oct 28, 2026). Rules from the Forest Service page (updated Apr 30, 2026).", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Vendors add a $2 administrative processing fee.", "limit": "2 permits per family", "onSale": "Online sales open Nov 12, 2026 (Recreation.gov).", "cutting": "Nov 12 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Max 15 ft; stump no more than 6 in.; may be cut or dug up as a transplant. Cle Elum RD: no deciduous trees, western larch, western white pine, cedar or hemlock.", "where": "Not in Wilderness, closed areas, active timber sales, plantations, within 150 ft of water, or within 200 ft of listed highways and roads (Naches, Entiat, Cle Elum, Methow Valley).", "buy": "Recreation.gov (print it), participating vendors, or Cle Elum, Methow Valley, Naches and Wenatchee River RD offices. Non-refundable.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — free with an Every Kid Outdoors pass or voucher.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/23ca18ca-ec54-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Forest Product Permits (Okanogan-Wenatchee)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/okanogan-wenatchee/permits/forest-product-permits", "updated": "Apr 30, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/23ca18ca-ec54-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "updated": "2026 season record added Oct 28, 2026 (checked Oct 29, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [ "Recreation.gov lists two wildfire area closures: the Three Queens Fire closure (Cle Elum Ranger District) and the Little Giant Fire closure (Chelan-Entiat and Wenatchee River Ranger Districts). Check the forest's alerts before you go." ] }, { "slug": "klamath", "name": "Klamath National Forest", "state": "CA", "status": "2026", "statusNote": "2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing. Rules from the Forest Service page (updated Mar 21, 2025).", "price": "$10 per tree", "price_num": 10, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "Max 5 trees", "onSale": "Online sales opened Oct 8, 2026 (Recreation.gov).", "cutting": "Nov 13 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Do not cut trees over 4 in. in diameter.", "where": "Klamath NF lands only — outside Wilderness, Botanical Areas and Geologic Special Interest Areas; not within 300 ft of flowing streams or 150 ft of dry creek beds. Popular areas listed: Deer Mountain, Willow Creek Mountain, Deadwood Creek, Carter Meadows Summit, Etna Summit, Mt. Ashland area.", "buy": "Recreation.gov — search 'Klamath National Forest Christmas Tree Permit'.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — free with an Every Kid Outdoors voucher or pass.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/12505660-ebd3-11ea-bcba-fa43c1aabce3", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree Gathering (Klamath)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/klamath/permits/christmas-tree-gathering", "updated": "Mar 21, 2025" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Klamath National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/12505660-ebd3-11ea-bcba-fa43c1aabce3", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 24, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "usesRecgovData": true, "notes": [] }, { "slug": "lassen", "name": "Lassen National Forest", "state": "CA", "status": "2026", "statusNote": "2026 sale date published by the Forest Service (page updated Oct 16, 2026).", "price": "$10 per tree", "price_num": 10, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "2 permits per household", "onSale": "Nov 1, 2026 (in person Nov 1 – Dec 24 during business hours)", "cutting": "Not stated", "size": "See the Lassen Fuelwood & Christmas Tree Cutting Map and tips page.", "where": "Check the Lassen Fuelwood & Christmas Tree Cutting Map before buying — all sales final.", "buy": "New this year: online at Recreation.gov. Also at district offices (Supervisor's Office: cash only), by mail-in order form, and local vendors (list pending). Offices closed Nov 11 and Nov 26, 2026.", "fourthGrade": "Not stated on the permit page — ask the district.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/TP367", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree Cutting (Lassen)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lassen/permits/christmas-tree-cutting", "updated": "Oct 16, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "usesRecgovData": false, "notes": [] }, { "slug": "coconino", "name": "Coconino National Forest", "state": "AZ", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 season published on the Recreation.gov listing.", "price": "Not listed on the Recreation.gov description — shown at checkout", "price_num": null, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "Not stated", "onSale": "Nov 14, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern (online)", "cutting": "Nov 14 – Dec 31, 2026", "size": "Max 10 ft tall; trunk 6 in. or less; cut no more than 6 in. above ground.", "where": "Flagstaff and Mogollon Rim Ranger Districts only. Not on private land, Wilderness, campgrounds, plantations or active timber sales.", "buy": "Recreation.gov. No changes, cancellations or refunds — pick the right district at checkout.", "fourthGrade": "Not stated on the listing — ask the district.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/0761fcb1-ebb8-11ea-895c-7e0f799b6940", "sources": [ { "label": "Recreation.gov: Coconino Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/0761fcb1-ebb8-11ea-895c-7e0f799b6940", "updated": "2026 season listing" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [] }, { "slug": "kaibab", "name": "Kaibab National Forest", "state": "AZ", "status": "2026", "statusNote": "2026 season published by the Forest Service (page updated Oct 2, 2026).", "price": "$15 per tree", "price_num": 15, "fees": "A small processing fee applies; $2.50 on the free 4th-grade permit.", "limit": "Up to 5 trees on a single permit", "onSale": "Oct 8, 2026 (7:00 a.m.) – Dec 31, 2026", "cutting": "Nov 1 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov). Designated areas are shown on Recreation.gov.", "size": "Listed on Recreation.gov.", "where": "North Kaibab, Tusayan and Williams Ranger District maps.", "buy": "Recreation.gov — search 'Kaibab National Forest Christmas Tree Permits'.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — free by entering the Every Kid Outdoors pass/voucher number ($2.50 reservation fee).", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/28cce40e-ebbd-11ea-98dd-e638fec87f2e", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree Permits (Kaibab)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/kaibab/permits/christmas-tree-permits", "updated": "Oct 2, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Kaibab National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/28cce40e-ebbd-11ea-98dd-e638fec87f2e", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 24, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "usesRecgovData": true, "notes": [] }, { "slug": "dixie", "name": "Dixie National Forest", "state": "UT", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 on-sale date from a Forest Service news release (Oct 2026); prices and size rules from the Recreation.gov listing.", "price": "Trees up to 10 ft: $10. Trees 11–20 ft: $20.", "price_num": 10, "fees": "$2.50 reservation fee on the free 4th-grade permit.", "limit": "Up to 5 trees on one Recreation.gov permit.", "onSale": "Oct 8, 2026 (online)", "cutting": "Nov 6 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Max 20 ft (contact the district for larger); stump 5 in. max. No bristlecone pine. Pine Valley RD: pinyon and juniper only. Cedar City RD: white fir, subalpine fir, pinyon, juniper only.", "where": "Not within 50 ft of streams or 100 ft of open roads and trails; no Wilderness, campgrounds, plantations or timber sales. Fremont RD permits are sold by the Fishlake NF office in Loa.", "buy": "Recreation.gov (print it), district offices and local vendors.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — free by entering the Every Kid Outdoors pass/voucher number ($2.50 reservation fee).", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/dixie", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service news release (Dixie, Oct 2026)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/dixie/newsroom/releases/christmas-tree-permits-available-online-through-recreationgov-dixie", "updated": "released Oct 6, 2026; page Oct 27, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Dixie Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/dixie", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 24, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [] }, { "slug": "manti-la-sal", "name": "Manti-La Sal National Forest", "state": "UT", "status": "2026", "statusNote": "2026 on-sale date from a Forest Service news release dated Oct 13, 2026; price and season from the Recreation.gov listing.", "price": "$10 per tree", "price_num": 10, "fees": "$2.50 reservation fee on the free 4th-grade permit.", "limit": "Up to 5 trees on one Recreation.gov permit.", "onSale": "Oct 8, 2026 (online)", "cutting": "Oct 10 – Dec 25, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Listed on Recreation.gov.", "where": "Designated cutting areas listed on Recreation.gov.", "buy": "Recreation.gov — search 'Manti-La Sal National Forest Christmas Tree Permits'.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — free by entering the Every Kid Outdoors pass/voucher number ($2.50 reservation fee).", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/59206b93-ebc7-11ea-895c-7e0f799b6940", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service news release (Manti-La Sal, Oct 13, 2026)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/manti-lasal/newsroom/releases/christmas-tree-permits-available-online-through-recreationgov-0", "updated": "released Oct 13, 2026; page Oct 26, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Manti-La Sal National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/59206b93-ebc7-11ea-895c-7e0f799b6940", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 24, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "usesRecgovData": true, "notes": [] }, { "slug": "uinta-wasatch-cache", "name": "Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest", "state": "UT", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 details from the Recreation.gov listing; price from the Forest Service permits page (which says full purchase info will be posted by Nov 1, 2026).", "price": "$20 per permit", "price_num": 20, "fees": "$2.50 added to online sales.", "limit": "One per household", "onSale": "Online sales open Nov 10, 2026 (Recreation.gov). In person from Nov 9, 2026 (Heber-Kamas and Evanston-Mountain View locations). Heber-Kamas online permits sold in three batches and likely to sell out.", "cutting": "Nov 10 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Up to 20 ft; no topping. Heber-Kamas RD: subalpine fir only, 20 ft or shorter. Salt Lake RD (Stansbury Mountains only): juniper only. Any evergreen on Evanston-Mountain View.", "where": "Only Heber-Kamas, Evanston-Mountain View, Logan, Ogden RDs and the Stansbury Mountains (Salt Lake RD). Not within 200 ft of water, campgrounds, picnic areas or Highway 40.", "buy": "Recreation.gov (print it or show it on your phone), district offices, and listed vendors (Kamas Chevron, Heber City One Stop, Benedict's Market in Mountain View, WY). BLM and state permits are not valid.", "fourthGrade": "Not stated on the pages reviewed — ask the district.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/96b02cd4-ebc6-11ea-895c-7e0f799b6940", "sources": [ { "label": "Recreation.gov: Uinta-Wasatch-Cache Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/96b02cd4-ebc6-11ea-895c-7e0f799b6940", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 24, 2026)" }, { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (Uinta-Wasatch-Cache)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/uinta-wasatch-cache/permits", "updated": "Oct 16, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [] }, { "slug": "sawtooth", "name": "Sawtooth National Forest", "state": "ID", "status": "2026", "statusNote": "2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing (updated Oct 15, 2026). Rules from the Forest Service page (updated Nov 7, 2025).", "price": "$10 per tree", "price_num": 10, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "One tree per family or organization", "onSale": "Online sales open Nov 13, 2026 (Recreation.gov).", "cutting": "Nov 13 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov). Valid until Dec 31 of the year issued.", "size": "Up to 20 ft tall. Species include lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, Douglas-fir and pinyon pine depending on area.", "where": "North Zone map (Fairfield, Ketchum RDs and Sawtooth NRA) and South Zone map (Minidoka RD). 2026 versions of both maps are posted on the Recreation.gov listing; the maps are also free on the Avenza Maps store.", "buy": "Sawtooth NF offices and Recreation.gov.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — one free permit at a Sawtooth NF office with an Every Kid Outdoors pass; the student must be present.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/59102697-ebc6-11ea-895c-7e0f799b6940", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree Permits (Sawtooth)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/sawtooth/permits/christmas-tree-permits", "updated": "Nov 7, 2025" }, { "label": "Forest Service news release: Christmas tree permits go on sale (Nov 12, 2024)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/sawtooth/newsroom/releases/christmas-tree-permits-go-sale", "updated": "released Nov 12, 2024; page May 7, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Sawtooth National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/59102697-ebc6-11ea-895c-7e0f799b6940", "updated": "2026 season listing; 2026 maps posted (checked Oct 29, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "usesRecgovData": true, "notes": [] }, { "slug": "flathead", "name": "Flathead National Forest", "state": "MT", "status": "2026", "statusNote": "2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing. Rules from the Forest Service page (updated Nov 26, 2025).", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "$2.50 transaction fee on Recreation.gov.", "limit": "Up to 3 trees per household", "onSale": "Online sales opened Oct 8, 2026 (Recreation.gov).", "cutting": "Oct 8 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov). Trees can be harvested between October and December.", "size": "Max 12 ft tall; stump max 6 in. high and 6 in. diameter.", "where": "Flathead NF lands only; follow the Motor Vehicle Use Map.", "buy": "Recreation.gov (one online permit covers up to 3 trees) or ranger district offices (buy individual tags).", "fourthGrade": "Yes — free with an Every Kid Outdoors pass at an office or on Recreation.gov ($2.50 fee).", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/c9c59d56-e7ce-11ea-ad53-eac1bc825671", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Trees (Flathead)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/flathead/permits/christmas-trees", "updated": "Nov 26, 2025" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Flathead National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/c9c59d56-e7ce-11ea-ad53-eac1bc825671", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 24, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "usesRecgovData": true, "notes": [] }, { "slug": "kootenai", "name": "Kootenai National Forest", "state": "MT", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing. Rules from the Forest Service page (updated Jul 29, 2025).", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "One tree per permit", "onSale": "Online sales opened Oct 8, 2026 (Recreation.gov).", "cutting": "Oct 8 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Max 12 ft tall; stump max 6 in. high and 6 in. diameter. No whitebark pine, white pine or western red cedar.", "where": "At least 200 ft from main roads, campgrounds and recreation sites; not visible from major roads; not in Wilderness, plantations or timber sales.", "buy": "Recreation.gov.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — free with an Every Kid Outdoors voucher via Recreation.gov.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/a37f560c-e7d2-11ea-ad53-eac1bc825671", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree Permits (Kootenai)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/kootenai/forest-products/christmas-tree-permits", "updated": "Jul 29, 2025" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Kootenai National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/a37f560c-e7d2-11ea-ad53-eac1bc825671", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 24, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [] }, { "slug": "lolo", "name": "Lolo National Forest", "state": "MT", "status": "current", "statusNote": "Standing Forest Service guidance (updated Sep 30, 2026). 2026 dates not yet posted.", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "$2.50 transaction fee on Recreation.gov.", "limit": "Up to 3 permits per person", "onSale": "Not yet posted", "cutting": "Not stated", "size": "Max 12 ft tall; stump max 6 in. high and 6 in. diameter.", "where": "Lolo NF lands; excluded areas include the Rattlesnake NRA and Pattee Canyon Recreation Area (see brochure).", "buy": "Recreation.gov (print it) or a local ranger station (review the Christmas Tree Brochure first).", "fourthGrade": "Yes — enter the Every Kid Outdoors pass at checkout for a free permit.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/9ebf15cd-e7d3-11ea-8710-eabd4664df5f", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree Permits (Lolo)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/lolo/permits/christmas-tree-permits", "updated": "Sep 30, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "usesRecgovData": false, "notes": [] }, { "slug": "monongahela", "name": "Monongahela National Forest", "state": "WV", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing.", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Not stated on the listing.", "limit": "One permit per household; one tree per permit.", "onSale": "Online sales opened Oct 8, 2026.", "cutting": "Oct 13 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Cut a tree with needles, like pine or spruce; no hemlock and no hardwoods such as oak or maple. No tree over 4 in. in diameter at breast height (4.5 ft) or over 12 ft tall. Cut the stump as close to the ground as possible. Take the whole tree; don't cut a bigger tree just for the top. Pick a tree from a dense group, not an isolated tree in the open.", "where": "Only on the Greenbrier, Marlinton/White Sulphur and Gauley Ranger Districts. Permits are district-specific: buy the permit for the district where you will cut. Not within 100 ft of any road. Not on private land, in Wildernesses, designated campgrounds, special areas, recreation sites, existing tree plantations, active timber sales or newly planted areas. Private land is mixed in with forest land and is shown in white on the cutting-area maps.", "buy": "Online at Recreation.gov. Print the permit and display it on your dashboard. Sign and date it before you transport the tree. Print the cutting-area map for your district.", "fourthGrade": "Not mentioned on the forest's listing — ask the district.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/659ceb41-ec5d-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "sources": [ { "label": "Recreation.gov: Monongahela National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/659ceb41-ec5d-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 22, 2026)" }, { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Trees (Monongahela)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/monongahela/permits/christmas-trees", "updated": "Jun 3, 2025" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [ "Hunting seasons overlap tree season: buck firearms deer season is typically the week of and the week after Thanksgiving. The forest says to wear a blaze orange outer garment (at least 400 sq. in.) or reschedule.", "Forest roads are not plowed. Drive only on roads open to public motor vehicles; no off-road travel." ] }, { "slug": "superior", "name": "Superior National Forest", "state": "MN", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing.", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Recreation.gov adds a handling fee (per the Forest Service page).", "limit": "Two tags per household per year (Forest Service page); one tree per tag.", "onSale": "Online sales opened Oct 8, 2026. Tags are also sold at district offices during office hours, or call a district office to arrange pick-up.", "cutting": "Oct 13, 2026 – Jan 6, 2027 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Balsam fir is preferred; white pine and cedar are not allowed. Maximum stump height 12 in. Take the whole tree; don't cut the top off a taller tree.", "where": "National Forest land only, and not in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Not in plantations, developed recreation or administrative sites, Research Natural Areas, designated campgrounds, active timber sales or newly planted areas, or on private land. Walk well off the roadside to pick your tree.", "buy": "Online at Recreation.gov, or in person at any Superior National Forest office during regular hours.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — the forest offers a free tree to 4th graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass (adults should supervise cutting).", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/ee43defb-ec5c-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree Tags (Superior)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/permits/christmas-tree-tags", "updated": "May 5, 2025" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Superior National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/ee43defb-ec5c-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 22, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [ "Visitor maps are sold at Forest Service offices and the USGS store; a digital map is on Avenza Maps." ] }, { "slug": "chippewa", "name": "Chippewa National Forest", "state": "MN", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing.", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "One permit for each tree; household limit not stated.", "onSale": "Online sales opened Oct 8, 2026. Also sold at all Chippewa National Forest offices, or by mail.", "cutting": "Oct 9 – Dec 25, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Common species: red pine, balsam fir, black spruce and white spruce. Take the whole tree; don't cut just the top. Cut the stump as close to ground level as possible.", "where": "Chippewa National Forest land only; not on private land or land managed by other federal, state or local agencies. Not within 150 ft of state highways, picnic areas, campgrounds or other developed areas. Not within 300 ft of streams and bodies of water. Not in active timber sales or young tree plantations.", "buy": "Online at Recreation.gov; validate and display the permit when you cut. Or buy at any Chippewa National Forest office. By mail: send your request and $5 per permit, payable to USDA Forest Service, to Chippewa National Forest, Attn: Christmas Permit, 201 Minnesota Ave. East, Walker, MN 56484.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — one free permit with a valid Every Kid Outdoors pass, redeemed at Recreation.gov or by calling the forest's offices.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/1798bcd5-ec5e-11ea-bcba-fa43c1aabce3", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (Chippewa)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/chippewa/permits", "updated": "May 27, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Chippewa National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/1798bcd5-ec5e-11ea-bcba-fa43c1aabce3", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 22, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [ "Suggested area from the listing: Tanglewood Road (FR-3759), eight miles east of Walker (pine, fir and spruce)." ] }, { "slug": "huron-manistee", "name": "Huron-Manistee National Forests", "state": "MI", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing.", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "Up to five permits per person each season; one tree per permit.", "onSale": "Online sales opened Oct 8, 2026.", "cutting": "Oct 12 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Maximum 20 ft tall and 6 in. in diameter. Stumps within 6 in. of the ground. No cedar or hemlock. Take the whole tree.", "where": "Approved cutting areas change every year; download the current maps from the Recreation.gov listing. Not on private land, in wilderness, experimental forests, research natural areas, recreation residence tracts, tree plantations, active timber sales or newly planted areas. Not within 100 ft of water, campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads or developed recreation areas. Not within 100 ft of paved roads or 50 ft of dirt roads. Drive only on roads and trails open to motor vehicles (Motor Vehicle Use Map); no off-road travel.", "buy": "Online at Recreation.gov. Carry the permit while you cut and transport the tree, and tag each tree before you transport it.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — one free permit with a valid Every Kid Outdoors voucher or pass.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/fdf08bf1-ec5a-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74", "sources": [ { "label": "Recreation.gov: Huron-Manistee National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/fdf08bf1-ec5a-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 22, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [ "Observe seasonal road closures and be ready to hike to the cutting area." ] }, { "slug": "hiawatha", "name": "Hiawatha National Forest", "state": "MI", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing.", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "One tree per permit; household limit not stated.", "onSale": "Online sales open Nov 12, 2026 (Recreation.gov).", "cutting": "Nov 10 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Maximum 20 ft tall; maximum stump height 12 in. Cut only balsam and spruce, not pine. Take the whole tree.", "where": "Away from lakes, campgrounds and other developed or dispersed recreation sites. Not in a Wilderness area, Research Natural Area or Recreation Residence tracts. Not within 100 ft of a lake or river. Not in active timber sales or newly planted areas.", "buy": "Online at Recreation.gov. Print the permit and put it on your dashboard while you cut.", "fourthGrade": "Not mentioned on the forest's listing — ask the district.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/d8173b88-ec5d-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74", "sources": [ { "label": "Recreation.gov: Hiawatha National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/d8173b88-ec5d-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 22, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [] }, { "slug": "ottawa", "name": "Ottawa National Forest", "state": "MI", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing.", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "One tree per permit; household limit not stated.", "onSale": "Online sales opened Oct 8, 2026.", "cutting": "Oct 13 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "No trees over 25 ft tall. Cut stumps as close to the ground as possible (within 6 in.). Don't cut a large tree just for the top.", "where": "Forest Service land only, not private property. Not in designated wilderness, administrative sites, developed recreation sites, Research Natural Areas, plantations or active timber sales. Not within 100 ft of a lake or pond. Remove any branches you leave from the cleared part of roads and trails.", "buy": "Online at Recreation.gov. Call the forest for free Motor Vehicle Use Maps.", "fourthGrade": "Not mentioned on the forest's listing — ask the district.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/c1518c31-ec5a-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74", "sources": [ { "label": "Recreation.gov: Ottawa National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/c1518c31-ec5a-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 22, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [] }, { "slug": "chequamegon-nicolet", "name": "Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest", "state": "WI", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing.", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "Up to five permits per person; one tree per permit.", "onSale": "Online sales opened Oct 8, 2026.", "cutting": "Oct 12 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Maximum 20 ft tall; maximum stump height 6 in. (cut as close to the ground as possible). No northern white cedar or hemlock. Balsam fir is the most popular; on the Washburn District, red and Scotch pine are preferred. Take the whole tree.", "where": "All National Forest land except Wilderness Areas, Research Natural Areas, developed recreation areas, administrative areas, the Argonne Experimental Forest, and within 100 ft of a lake or pond. Not within 100 ft of hiking trails that are within half a mile of developed campgrounds. Cutting along roads and trails is allowed; clear any debris off them. Not on private land.", "buy": "Online at Recreation.gov. Print the permit and bring it with you.", "fourthGrade": "Not mentioned on the forest's listing — ask the district.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/9eadd769-ec59-11ea-bcba-fa43c1aabce3", "sources": [ { "label": "Recreation.gov: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/9eadd769-ec59-11ea-bcba-fa43c1aabce3", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 22, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [] }, { "slug": "shawnee", "name": "Shawnee National Forest", "state": "IL", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing.", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "One tree per permit; household limit not stated.", "onSale": "Online sales open Nov 17, 2026 (Recreation.gov).", "cutting": "Nov 14 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Only eastern red cedar, loblolly pine, shortleaf pine and white pine. No tree taller than 15 ft. Maximum stump diameter 6 in.; stump no more than 6 in. above the ground. Take the whole tree.", "where": "Shawnee National Forest land only, not private land. Not in Wilderness, Natural Areas or experimental forests; not in active timber sales or newly planted areas. Not in developed recreation areas (campgrounds, picnic areas, interpretive areas, observation sites, trailheads) or within 150 yards of them; this also applies to Saline Springs, Millstone Bluff and along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Not within 150 ft of water or in areas closed by a Forest Order. Otherwise, cutting along roads and trails is allowed.", "buy": "Online at Recreation.gov. Print the permit and bring it with you.", "fourthGrade": "Not mentioned on the forest's listing — ask the district.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/3fe0d0df-ec5b-11ea-bcba-fa43c1aabce3", "sources": [ { "label": "Recreation.gov: Shawnee National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/3fe0d0df-ec5b-11ea-bcba-fa43c1aabce3", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 22, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [ "Chainsaws are allowed, but trucks, tractors, winches, ATVs/UTVs and other machines may not be used to drag the tree out.", "The forest suggests a scouting trip first; finding a tree can take a few hours." ] }, { "slug": "white-mountain", "name": "White Mountain National Forest", "state": "NH", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 season posted on the forest's Recreation.gov listing.", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "One tree per family (one permit per household).", "onSale": "Online sales open Nov 9, 2026 (Recreation.gov). Also sold at district offices.", "cutting": "Nov 9 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Hand tools only (ax or handsaw); no chainsaws. No trees larger than 6 in. in diameter (Forest Service page: measured at chest height; Recreation.gov: stump diameter). Stumps under 10 in. tall. Take the whole tree.", "where": "National Forest land only. Not within 100 ft of campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads or developed recreation areas, experimental forests, designated wilderness, water or active timber sales. Not within 100 ft of paved roads or 50 ft of dirt roads. Not on private land or in tree plantations.", "buy": "Online at Recreation.gov, or at a White Mountain National Forest district office.", "fourthGrade": "Not mentioned on the forest's pages — ask the district.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/27dc4740-ec5d-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (White Mountain)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/whitemountain/permits", "updated": "Oct 1, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: White Mountain National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/27dc4740-ec5d-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 22, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [ "Pack limb piles down so they're within 2 ft of the ground." ] }, { "slug": "green-mountain", "name": "Green Mountain National Forest", "state": "VT", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 harvest dates posted by the Forest Service.", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "$2.50 Recreation.gov reservation fee.", "limit": "Up to two trees: 2 permits per household per year.", "onSale": "On sale now online (sales opened Oct 8, 2026).", "cutting": "Nov 1 – Dec 31, 2026.", "size": "Maximum 20 ft tall; stump no more than 6 in. Trees must be cut; no transplanting. Take the whole tree.", "where": "Designated areas only; see the district maps on the Recreation.gov listing. Not in wilderness areas, active timber sales or developed recreation sites (campgrounds, picnic areas, day-use sites). Not on private land. Clear woody debris from roads, ditches and culverts.", "buy": "Online at Recreation.gov.", "fourthGrade": "Yes — free permit with an Every Kid Outdoors pass ($2.50 reservation fee).", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/bd0cdc60-e636-11ea-bfd0-660a8c194aab", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (Green Mountain & Finger Lakes)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/gmfl/permits", "updated": "Oct 15, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/bd0cdc60-e636-11ea-bfd0-660a8c194aab", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 22, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [ "The same Recreation.gov listing also covers the Finger Lakes National Forest in New York. This page covers Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest." ] }, { "slug": "mark-twain", "name": "Mark Twain National Forest", "state": "MO", "status": "current", "noPermit": true, "usesRecgovData": false, "statusNote": "Standing rule from the forest's Special Forest Products page (updated Sep 15, 2026). No Christmas-tree season or dates are posted.", "price": "Free — no permit needed for small, personal-use amounts", "price_num": 0, "fees": "None stated.", "limit": "Minor, personal-use quantities only (no number stated).", "onSale": "No permit to buy.", "cutting": "No season dates posted.", "size": "Not stated on the forest's pages.", "where": "Mark Twain National Forest land. Commercial collecting is prohibited. Don't collect any plant listed or proposed for listing as endangered or threatened; ask the district biologist if unsure.", "buy": "No permit needed for personal use, per the forest's Special Forest Products and Permits pages. Questions: Supervisor's Office, Rolla, (573) 364-4621.", "fourthGrade": "Not needed — no permit is required.", "recgov": null, "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Special Forest Products (Mark Twain)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/marktwain/permits/special-forest-products", "updated": "Sep 15, 2026" }, { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (Mark Twain)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/marktwain/permits", "updated": "Feb 3, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [ "Because there's no permit, the forest hasn't posted Christmas-tree rules like size limits or no-cut zones. Call the ranger district before you go to ask where cutting is OK." ] }, { "slug": "wallowa-whitman", "name": "Wallowa-Whitman National Forest", "state": "OR", "status": "2026", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "2026 dates and price from the Recreation.gov listing (2026 season records edited Sep 10, 2026). Rules from the Forest Service Forest Products Permits page (updated Apr 16, 2026), which still links the 2025 Christmas Tree Guide.", "price": "$5 per tree (Recreation.gov listing).", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Online purchases on Recreation.gov carry a small transaction fee.", "limit": "Up to 5 trees per Recreation.gov permit (La Grande, Whitman and Wallowa Valley Ranger Districts). A household limit is not stated on the Forest Service page.", "onSale": "Online sales open Nov 12, 2026 (Recreation.gov).", "cutting": "Nov 12 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).", "size": "Trees up to 15 ft tall. Stump no larger than 6 in. in diameter. Leave stumps no higher than 10 in. It is illegal to top a tree; cut down the entire tree. Cut off any green limbs left on the stump.", "where": "At least 50 ft from the road. Not on private land, in wilderness areas, designated campgrounds or existing plantations. Not in active timber sales or areas planted with new trees. Not in the Baker City Watershed, Anthony Lakes Campground or Ski Area, Starkey Experimental Forest, La Grande Watershed, or the Hurricane Creek and Lostine drainages. Not within 1/4 mile of wild and scenic river corridors. Not within sight distance of State Highways. Recreation.gov also lists designated Old Growth areas as off-limits.", "buy": "Online at Recreation.gov, at local Forest Service offices, and at local retailers in Baker City, Enterprise, Halfway, Island City, Joseph, La Grande, Richland, Sumpter, Unity, Union and Wallowa, OR, and Clarkston, WA (listed on the Forest Service page). The Wallowa Mountains Office in Joseph has a vending machine for after-hours purchases.", "fourthGrade": "Mentioned on the forest's page (not shown on this site).", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/d21271e2-ec52-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Forest Products Permits (Wallowa-Whitman), Christmas Tree Permits section", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/wallowa-whitman/permits/forest-products-permits", "updated": "Apr 16, 2026" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/d21271e2-ec52-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "updated": "2026 season listing (checked Oct 25, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [ "The program is for families, businesses and institutions cutting their own tree. Commercial cutting permits are not available.", "Permits don't cover private, state or other federally managed lands.", "Forest roads may be muddy, icy or snow-covered. Check weather and road conditions before you go.", "Office phone numbers: Whitman RD-Baker Office (541) 523-6391; La Grande District (541) 963-7186; Wallowa Mountains Office, Joseph (541) 426-5546; Hells Canyon NRA, Clarkston, WA (509) 758-0616." ] }, { "slug": "umatilla", "name": "Umatilla National Forest", "state": "OR", "status": "current", "usesRecgovData": true, "statusNote": "Price and rules from the Forest Service Christmas Tree Permits page (last updated Mar 10, 2025, linking the 2024 Christmas Tree Cutting Guide), plus the Recreation.gov listing. No official 2026 season dates are confirmed yet.", "price": "$5.00 per permit in person (Forest Service page, last updated Mar 2025).", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Online purchases on Recreation.gov may carry a processing fee.", "limit": "One tree per permit (Recreation.gov listing). The forest asks that you limit permits to one per household, but you can buy for neighbors, family and friends.", "onSale": "2026 date not yet confirmed. The Forest Service page says permits go on sale November 15, without naming a year. The Recreation.gov listing shows online sales opening Nov 12, 2026.", "cutting": "Not yet posted for 2026.", "size": "Trees up to 14 ft tall. Leave stumps no higher than 10 in. It is illegal to top a tree; cut down the entire tree. Cut off any green limbs left on the stump. Clean up any trimmings or limbs.", "where": "On any Umatilla National Forest Ranger District land, when the permit is accompanied by the forest's brochure. Not on private land, in wilderness areas, designated campgrounds or existing tree plantations. Not in active timber sales or areas planted with new trees. Not within 200 ft of the Bluewood or Spout Springs ski areas, summer home sites, the Tollgate Work Center or Forest Service guard stations. On the Pomeroy Ranger District, not on Park and Cook Ridges or in the Lick Creek area, including Sheep Creek, Cabin, Capehorn and Mud Springs ridges.", "buy": "In person at any Umatilla National Forest office, or at local businesses in Athena, Boardman, Elgin, Heppner, Hermiston, Milton-Freewater, Pendleton, Pilot Rock, Tollgate and Ukiah, OR, and Clarkston, Dayton, Kennewick, Pomeroy and Walla Walla, WA (listed on the Forest Service page). Online at Recreation.gov.", "fourthGrade": "Mentioned on the forest's page (not shown on this site).", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/0ada1217-ec52-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74", "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree Permits (Umatilla)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/umatilla/permits/christmas-tree-permits", "updated": "Mar 10, 2025" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Umatilla National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/0ada1217-ec52-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74", "updated": "listing checked Oct 26, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29", "notes": [ "The forest covers parts of northeast Oregon and southeast Washington.", "In the Tollgate area of the Walla Walla Ranger District, most forest roads close for the winter after December 1. After that, snowmobiling or snowshoeing is the only access to most roads off Highway 204.", "You may meet road closures during logging operations on the Pomeroy Ranger District. Please follow them.", "Be ready for winter weather: dress warmly, bring snacks and water, make sure your vehicle is equipped for winter travel, and tell someone where you're going." ] }, { "slug": "olympic", "name": "Olympic National Forest", "state": "WA", "status": "2026", "statusNote": "2026 permits are on sale on the forest's Recreation.gov listing (sales opened Oct 8, 2026). Price and limit from the Forest Service page (updated Mar 28, 2025). The forest hasn't posted 2026 cutting dates.", "price": "$5 per tree", "price_num": 5, "fees": "Not stated.", "limit": "Up to 5 permits per household. Each permit is good for one tree.", "onSale": "On sale now on Recreation.gov (online sales opened Oct 8, 2026).", "cutting": "Not stated by the forest. Check the terms printed on your permit.", "size": "Max 15 ft tall. Any evergreen except western white pine. Cut down the entire tree; don't remove just the top. Washington State law requires a hauling permit to haul more than five trees in or on a vehicle at one time.", "where": "Anywhere on the forest except the areas named in the permit terms. Trees may be cut along roads, in forest plantations and in the understory of older stands. Cut a tree only if another standing tree is within 10 ft. Not within 100 ft of campgrounds or trailheads. Not in the Quinault Special Management Area, designated wilderness or Research Natural Areas. Be sure you're on Forest Service land.", "buy": "Recreation.gov (print it), in person or by phone from a forest office (the permit can be mailed), or local vendors. Call vendors first to check availability and hours.", "fourthGrade": "Not mentioned on the forest's page — ask the district.", "recgov": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/4d833925-ec52-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "usesRecgovData": true, "notes": [], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Christmas Tree Permits (Olympic)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/olympic/forest-products/christmas-tree-permits", "updated": "Mar 28, 2025" }, { "label": "Recreation.gov: Olympic National Forest Christmas Tree Permit", "url": "https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/4d833925-ec52-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d", "updated": "Active 2026 permit type, $5, up to 5 trees (checked Oct 29, 2026)" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" } ], "updates": [ { "date": "2026-10-29", "items": [ "Added Olympic National Forest (WA): $5 per tree, up to 5 permits per household, on sale now on Recreation.gov. Also added its free personal-use firewood permit (up to 6 cords a year).", "Okanogan-Wenatchee: Recreation.gov now lists the 2026 season. Online sales open Nov 12, 2026, and the permit season runs Nov 12 – Dec 31, 2026 ($5). Added the two wildfire closures the listing names.", "Sawtooth: 2026 North and South Zone Christmas tree maps are now posted on Recreation.gov.", "Mt. Hood firewood: the Forest Service page (updated Oct 28, 2026) says wildfire closures limit some woodcutting areas; added that note." ] }, { "date": "2026-10-26", "items": [ "New: personal-use firewood permits for 40 national forests, at /firewood-permits/. Prices, cord limits, seasons, how to buy and cutting rules, from each forest's official page.", "3 forests (Pike-San Isabel, White River, Fremont-Winema) don't post a firewood price; their pages say so." ] }, { "date": "2026-10-26", "items": [ "Added Umatilla National Forest (OR/WA): $5 per permit, one tree per permit, rules and where to buy. 2026 dates not yet confirmed by the forest." ] }, { "date": "2026-10-25", "items": [ "Added Wallowa-Whitman National Forest (OR): $5 per tree, up to 5 per permit, online sales Nov 12, 2026, season Nov 12 – Dec 31, 2026, rules and where to buy." ] }, { "date": "2026-10-24", "items": [ "Added Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (OR): $5 per tree, 5 per household, rules and where to buy.", "White River: no-cut list now includes administrative areas and the lower slopes of Meadow Mountain behind the Holy Cross Ranger Station near Minturn (Forest Service page updated Oct 23, 2026)." ] }, { "date": "2026-10-23", "items": [ "Added Ochoco National Forest (OR): rules, household limit and where to buy.", "Arapaho-Roosevelt: price $20 per tree (Recreation.gov listing).", "Fremont-Winema and Malheur: $5 per tree; online sales opened Oct 8, 2026; cutting season Oct 13 (Fremont-Winema) / Oct 10 (Malheur) – Dec 31, 2026.", "Klamath: now shows the 2026 season, $10 per tree, Nov 13 – Dec 31, 2026 (was 2025 info).", "Sawtooth: now shows the 2026 season, $10 per tree, online sales open Nov 13, 2026 (was a 2024 price).", "Manti-La Sal: price $10 per tree; season Oct 10 – Dec 25, 2026.", "Kootenai: $5 per tree; online sales opened Oct 8, 2026; season Oct 8 – Dec 31, 2026.", "Mt. Hood and Gifford Pinchot: online sales open Nov 12, 2026; season Nov 12 – Dec 31, 2026.", "White River: online sales open Nov 12, 2026; season Nov 16 – Dec 31, 2026.", "Uinta-Wasatch-Cache: online sales open Nov 10, 2026; season Nov 10 – Dec 31, 2026.", "Flathead and Siuslaw: online sales opened Oct 8, 2026. Season dates added for Flathead, Siuslaw, Dixie and Kaibab.", "Buy buttons now link straight to each forest's own Recreation.gov listing where one exists." ] }, { "date": "2026-10-22", "items": [ "Rewrote every page in plain language with question headings, short bullet points and a big 'Buy your permit' button.", "Added 11 forests in 10 new eastern and midwestern states: Monongahela (WV), Superior and Chippewa (MN), Huron-Manistee, Hiawatha and Ottawa (MI), Chequamegon-Nicolet (WI), Shawnee (IL), White Mountain (NH), Green Mountain (VT) and Mark Twain (MO, no permit needed).", "Added state pages for Ohio and Pennsylvania (no public-land permit; links to choose-and-cut tree farm finders) and Missouri." ] }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "items": [ "Site launched with 2026 Christmas tree permit pages for 25 national forests in 8 states." ] } ], "stateInfo": { "OH": { "summary": "We found no public forest in Ohio that sells a Christmas tree permit.", "points": [ "Wayne National Forest (Ohio's only national forest) does not list a Christmas tree permit. Its official permits page covers firewood, forest-product, ginseng and special-use permits only, and it has no Christmas tree listing on Recreation.gov (checked Oct 22, 2026).", "Ohio state forests: cutting or removing any tree is not allowed without written permission from the ODNR Division of Forestry (Ohio Administrative Code 1501:3-2-05)." ], "farm": { "label": "Ohio Christmas Tree Association: Christmas Tree Farm Finder", "url": "https://ohiochristmastree.org/christmas-tree-farm-finder" }, "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (Wayne)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/wayne/permits", "updated": "Mar 20, 2026" }, { "label": "Ohio Administrative Code 1501:3-2-05 (state forests)", "url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-1501:3-2-05", "updated": "effective Jan 9, 2004" } ] }, "MO": { "summary": "Yes, on the Mark Twain National Forest, and no permit is needed for personal use.", "points": [ "Mark Twain National Forest lets you take a Christmas tree in small, personal-use amounts without a permit, according to its Special Forest Products page. Commercial collecting is not allowed.", "Missouri Department of Conservation areas: \"Vegetation, including trees, may not be cut or destroyed\" (3 CSR 10-11.135), so you can't cut a tree there." ], "farm": { "label": "Missouri Christmas Tree Producers Association: Tree Locator", "url": "https://missourichristmastrees.org/tree-locator/" }, "sources": [ { "label": "Missouri Dept. of Conservation: Conservation Area Regulations", "url": "https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/area-regs/9422", "updated": "current" } ] }, "PA": { "summary": "We found no public forest in Pennsylvania that sells a Christmas tree permit.", "points": [ "Allegheny National Forest (Pennsylvania's only national forest) does not list a Christmas tree permit. Its official permits page covers fuelwood and special-use (events, commercial, utility) permits only, and it has no Christmas tree listing on Recreation.gov (checked Oct 22, 2026).", "Pennsylvania state forests: cutting or removing any tree is not allowed without written permission from DCNR (17 Pa. Code § 21.115)." ], "farm": { "label": "Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association: Find a Tree", "url": "https://christmastrees.org/find-a-tree/" }, "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (Allegheny)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/allegheny/permits", "updated": "Aug 3, 2026" }, { "label": "PA DCNR: State Forest Rules and Regulations", "url": "https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-forests/rules-and-regulations", "updated": "current" } ] } }, "firewood": [ { "slug": "arapaho-roosevelt", "status": "posted", "price": "$10 per cord on the E-Permits listing. The forest page says the cost varies by product, type of wood and district.", "price_num": 20, "amount": "2-cord minimum, 10-cord maximum (E-Permits listing).", "season": "Permits are sold year-round. A permit is valid for up to one year from the date it is issued, or until you have cut the amount you bought.", "buy": "Buy online through the E-Permits system, year-round.", "online": true, "rules": "Trimming dead limbs from live trees is not permitted. Standing dead trees may only be cut if they meet specific standards. Check any dead tree for signs of wildlife before you cut it. No cutting in wilderness, campgrounds, picnic areas, summer home groups, trailheads or on private property.", "notes": [ "Harvest area maps are posted by ranger district on the official page.", "Services at offices may be limited; call 970-295-6600 before you go." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Forest Products (ARP)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp/permits/forest-products", "updated": "Mar 24, 2026" }, { "label": "E-Permits: firewood listing by forest", "url": "https://epermits.fs2c.usda.gov/product/firewood", "updated": "checked Oct 26, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "grand-mesa-uncompahgre-gunnison", "status": "posted", "price": "$5 per cord. Four-cord minimum ($20).", "price_num": 20, "amount": "4 cords minimum, 20 cords maximum. Each household may cut and remove up to 20 cords per year.", "season": "Not stated on the official page. Local vendors sell permits during the summer.", "buy": "Buy online through E-Permits. Some local vendors sell permits in summer (Paonia, Crawford and Hotchkiss); call ahead. You must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license, and the person cutting must sign the permit.", "online": true, "rules": "Standing dead and down trees may be cut, except where the permit package restricts it. Cutting live trees is prohibited, except where the permit package allows it. Read the permit conditions for areas that are closed to cutting. All travel restrictions apply; use the Motor Vehicle Use Maps.", "notes": [ "The official page links a 2026 Firewood Information Packet and 2026 Firewood Maps." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood (GMUG)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/permits/firewood", "updated": "Sep 2, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "pike-san-isabel", "status": "noprice", "price": "Not posted. The forest says to contact the district office for cost per cord, which may vary by firewood area.", "price_num": null, "amount": "Sold per cord. The official page does not list a limit.", "season": "Not stated on the official page. Wildfires may make many San Isabel firewood areas unavailable.", "buy": "Buy at participating ranger district offices. E-Permits are available for the Leadville, Salida and San Carlos ranger districts. Online permits for the Pike National Forest are \"coming soon\".", "online": true, "rules": "Only standing dead or naturally fallen trees may be cut forest-wide. No live trees may be cut. Stumps must be less than 6 inches high. Wood larger than 7 inches in diameter must be cut in lengths under 8 feet. No cutting within 100 feet of streams, wet areas or water, or in wilderness, campgrounds, picnic areas, ski areas or Browns Canyon National Monument.", "notes": [ "These cutting rules are listed for the San Isabel National Forest." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood Permits (PSICC)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/psicc/permits/firewood-permits", "updated": "Aug 5, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "white-river", "status": "noprice", "price": "Not posted on the official page.", "price_num": null, "amount": "Not posted on the official page.", "season": "Not stated on the official page.", "buy": "Buy at ranger district offices.", "online": false, "rules": "Cut dead standing or dead down trees only. Leave stumps less than 12 inches high. Wood larger than 7 inches in diameter must be cut in 8-foot lengths or less. No cutting in posted timber sale areas, campgrounds, picnic areas, resorts or recreation areas, or within 100 feet of streams, wet areas and water. Motorized vehicles may only be used 300 feet or less from a Forest Service road. Firewood from free-use areas may not be resold.", "notes": [ "Keep your letter of authorization with you while cutting and hauling." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood Cutting Permits (White River)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/permits/firewood-cutting-permits", "updated": "Dec 22, 2025" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "deschutes", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use.", "price_num": 0, "amount": "Up to 8 cords per household per year.", "season": "Firewood cutting season is May 1 through November 30.", "buy": "Get a free personal-use permit from the Forest Service (see the official page for offices and options).", "online": false, "rules": "Cut dead trees only, or as shown on woodcutting maps. Some areas do not allow cutting standing dead trees. Where standing trees may be cut, stumps may be no taller than 12 inches. The longest piece you may haul is 6 feet. Do not cut live trees or plants to reach firewood. One validated load tag is required for every 1/2 cord. Haul in vehicles under 26,000 lbs GVW.", "notes": [ "Personal-use wood cannot be sold, transferred or bartered.", "Open dates and allowed species vary by cutting-area map." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood (Deschutes)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/permits/firewood", "updated": "May 15, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "fremont-winema", "status": "noprice", "price": "Not posted on the forest's page.", "price_num": null, "amount": "Not posted on the forest's page.", "season": "Permits expire December 31 of the year issued. The forest says spring and fall are the best cutting times.", "buy": "Get a woodcutting permit from the Supervisor's Office or a district office.", "online": false, "rules": "The longest piece you may haul is 6 feet. Whitebark pine is a threatened species: do not cut, remove or damage it. Chainsaws need a working spark arrester (.023 inch screen or less). Carry a shovel and an 8-ounce or larger pressurized fire extinguisher. Check the Industrial Fire Precaution Level before you go. Carry both your permit and tags while cutting and hauling.", "notes": [ "A Firewood Assistance Program lets a third party cut for people with physical or medical limits; both must be present to buy the permit." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (Fremont-Winema), Firewood Program section", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/fremont-winema/permits", "updated": "Oct 14, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "malheur", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use (free-use permit).", "price_num": 0, "amount": "Up to 8 cords per household per year.", "season": "Not stated as fixed dates. High fire danger can bring restrictions that stop firewood cutting; call 541-575-3113.", "buy": "Get a permit at forest offices. E-Permits is now an optional way to get one online.", "online": true, "rules": "Carry a saw with a spark arrester, a long-handled round-point shovel and an 8-ounce or larger fire extinguisher. A one-hour fire watch is required after you shut off the chainsaw. Stumps must be 12 inches or less where standing trees may be cut. Attach one validated load ticket for each 1/2 cord. Only cut in areas shown as open on the firewood map.", "notes": [ "Wood from a free-use permit may not be sold." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood (Malheur)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/malheur/permits/firewood", "updated": "Sep 29, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "mt-hood", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use.", "price_num": 0, "amount": "Up to 6 cords per household per year.", "season": "Open through November 30. The season usually runs April through November, and permits expire when the season ends.", "buy": "Pick up a free permit at an office in Dufur, Parkdale, Sandy or Zigzag, or send in a completed permit application. Bring valid government ID.", "online": false, "rules": "Personal-use permits are for personal use only. Selling firewood or cutting more than 6 cords needs a commercial permit. Fire-season restrictions (IFPL) may differ across the forest's four units.", "notes": [ "Call your nearest ranger station for current wood supply.", "Wildfire closures limit access to some usual woodcutting areas. Driving in a fire closure area is prohibited." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood (Mt. Hood)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mthood/permits/firewood", "updated": "Oct 28, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "siuslaw", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use.", "price_num": 0, "amount": "1–3 cords over 20 days, or up to 6 cords over 40 days. Maximum 6 cords per household per season.", "season": "Cutting is allowed by permit from early to mid-October through the end of February. Personal-use permits are available October 15, 2026 at the Hebo, Waldport and Reedsport ranger stations.", "buy": "Get a permit at the Hebo Ranger Station or the Central Coast Ranger Stations in Waldport and Reedsport.", "online": false, "rules": "Cut only in designated or approved areas. Permits cannot be transferred. Attach load tickets to the wood before you leave the cutting area. Violations can bring fines up to $5,000 or loss of the permit.", "notes": [ "Commercial permits ($120 for 6 cords, $20 per extra cord) are for resale or for more than 6 cords." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood Cutting Permits (Siuslaw)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/siuslaw/permits/firewood-cutting-permits", "updated": "Oct 15, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "umpqua", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use.", "price_num": 0, "amount": "Up to 10 cords.", "season": "The permit runs to the end of the calendar year it is issued.", "buy": "Visit a ranger district office or the Supervisor's Office in Roseburg, or download and print your permit at home through E-Permits.", "online": true, "rules": "Only standing dead and down trees less than 20 inches in diameter may be cut. Carry a shovel, a fire extinguisher and at least one gallon of water. Keep the permit with you while cutting and hauling. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable.", "notes": [ "The permit is only good on the Umpqua National Forest, not on private, BLM or other national forest land." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Special Forest Products (Umpqua), Firewood section", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/umpqua/forest-products/special-forest-products", "updated": "Sep 8, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "willamette", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use.", "price_num": 0, "amount": "Up to 6 cords per household per year.", "season": "Generally available year-round, but winter snow or summer fire danger can affect wood and permit availability. A permit is valid through the date stated on it.", "buy": "Get a free permit from a ranger district office. Each district issues its own permit and map.", "online": false, "rules": "Rules and cutting areas vary by district and come with your permit's district synopsis. On the McKenzie River Ranger District, each permit is for 2 cords over 30 days in a mapped area.", "notes": [ "Commercial permits may be available; ask the district office." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood Permits (Willamette)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/forest-products/firewood-permits", "updated": "Apr 15, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "ochoco", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use.", "price_num": 0, "amount": "Up to 8 cords per household per year.", "season": "May 1 through November 30 (as listed on the official rules page).", "buy": "Get a free personal-use permit from the Forest Service (see the official page).", "online": false, "rules": "Cut dead trees only, or as shown on woodcutting maps. Where standing trees may be cut, stumps may be no taller than 12 inches. The longest piece you may haul is 6 feet. One validated load tag for every 1/2 cord. Personal-use wood cannot be sold, transferred or bartered.", "notes": [ "The Ochoco rules page names the Deschutes National Forest in its season line; the two Central Oregon forests share these rules. Check with the Ochoco office before you go." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood Cutting Rules (Ochoco)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco/permits/firewood-cutting-rules", "updated": "Jun 9, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "rogue-river-siskiyou", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use.", "price_num": 0, "amount": "Up to 10 cords per household per year, forest-wide.", "season": "Not stated as fixed dates. Permits are typically available on all ranger districts; call first to check supply.", "buy": "Call the district office nearest where you plan to cut, then get your permit there.", "online": false, "rules": "All wood must be less than 6 feet long, and cedar less than 3 feet long. No skidding equipment. Vehicles must stay on open roads. Validate your permit before hauling and attach one load ticket per cord. Follow all fire restrictions.", "notes": [ "Don't move firewood more than 50 miles from where you cut it. Watch for the Sudden Oak Death quarantine in Curry County." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood (Rogue River-Siskiyou)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/rogue-siskiyou/permits/firewood", "updated": "Feb 23, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "colville", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use.", "price_num": 0, "amount": "Up to 12 cords per household.", "season": "Valid for the 2026 season: June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027.", "buy": "Pick up a free self-service authorization and cutting packet at any district office or the Colville headquarters, usually outside the visitor entrance.", "online": false, "rules": "Fill out the authorization before you cut. Record your cutting on the quantity removal record. Follow the rules in the cutting packet.", "notes": [], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (Colville), Free Personal Use Firewood section", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/colville/permits", "updated": "Jul 13, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "gifford-pinchot", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use.", "price_num": 0, "amount": "Up to 6 cords per household per year, forest-wide.", "season": "Permits expire December 31 of the year issued.", "buy": "Get a permit in person, by mail or by phone from the ranger district offices in Amboy, Trout Lake and Randle. Mt. Adams area permits are also sold at some local stores.", "online": false, "rules": "Do not cut live trees or standing dead trees. Do not cut trees with signs, tags, blazes or wildlife nests or cavities. Attach one load ticket for each 1/2 cord. Free-use wood cannot be resold.", "notes": [ "Check the fire precaution level (IFPL) on the day you cut." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Special Forest Products: Firewood Permit (Gifford Pinchot)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/giffordpinchot/permits/special-forest-products-firewood-permit", "updated": "Sep 30, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "okanogan-wenatchee", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use. Vendors add a $2 processing fee.", "price_num": 0, "amount": "Not stated for free personal-use permits on the official page.", "season": "Permits are typically available May 1 and are good through December 31. On the Naches Ranger District, they start the first Monday in May and are good through September 30.", "buy": "Get a free permit online through E-Permits (since May 1, 2026) or at a forest office. Online permits work anywhere on the forest; office permits only on the district that issued them.", "online": true, "rules": "Free-use wood may not be resold. Online permits must be printed to be valid.", "notes": [ "2026 is a transition year; from 2027 all firewood permits move to E-Permits.", "Commercial permits: 4 cords for $20 up to 12 cords for $60." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Forest Product Permits (Okanogan-Wenatchee)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/okanogan-wenatchee/permits/forest-product-permits", "updated": "Apr 30, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "klamath", "status": "posted", "price": "$5 per cord, $20 minimum per transaction.", "price_num": 20, "amount": "Up to 12 cords per calendar year.", "season": "January 1 through December 31.", "buy": "Buy online and print at home, or buy in person. You must be 18 or older.", "online": true, "rules": "Not valid on private land, BLM land or neighboring national forests. Keep a fire extinguisher or a shovel at least 46 inches long within 25 feet of the chainsaw. Use the free firewood maps to find general and restricted cutting areas.", "notes": [ "The official page was last updated in May 2025." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood (Klamath)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/klamath/permits/firewood", "updated": "May 12, 2025" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "lassen", "status": "posted", "price": "$20 for 10 cords ($2 per cord) in 2026.", "price_num": 20, "amount": "10-cord purchase.", "season": "A permit bought now expires December 31, 2026.", "buy": "Buy online through E-Permits (print it to be valid) or in person at a district office.", "online": true, "rules": "Dead hardwood trees may not be felled anywhere. Chainsaws are allowed only when daily fire conditions permit; call the recorded message for that day's rules. Tags come with a map and Lassen-specific rules.", "notes": [ "Old Station Visitor Center is closed for the 2026 season." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Personal Fuelwood (Lassen)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lassen/permits/personal-fuelwood", "updated": "Jul 29, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "coconino", "status": "posted", "price": "$5 per cord for oak, aspen, juniper and maple. $2.50 per cord for pine and mixed conifer. $20 minimum purchase.", "price_num": 20, "amount": "Up to 12 cords per household per year (paid permits). Free-use permits: up to 5 cords, where a free area exists.", "season": "2026 season permits are available now. Follow your permit's dates.", "buy": "The page links online purchase, but also says online permits are not available at this time. Contact a ranger station.", "online": false, "rules": "Stumps may be no taller than 12 inches. Do not trim dead limbs from live trees. Dead standing pine or fir may be cut only if under 12 inches across or under 15 feet tall. Dead pinyon and juniper may be cut at any size unless signed or holding wildlife. Record the wood on your permit and attach load tickets before leaving.", "notes": [ "Wood may not be sold, exchanged or used in business.", "The official page says both that permits can be bought online and that online sales are unavailable right now; check before you go." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (Coconino), Wood Permits section", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/permits", "updated": "Sep 11, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "kaibab", "status": "posted", "price": "$20 for 10 cords (paid permit). Free permits are offered for set areas on the Tusayan and Williams districts.", "price_num": 20, "amount": "Up to 20 cords per year (paid). Free permits: 10 cords.", "season": "Depends on the district: January 5 through December 31, 2026, or May 1 through December 31, 2026 (North Kaibab).", "buy": "Buy online on E-Permits (credit or debit card) or at a ranger district office with check, card, money order or exact cash. Bring a valid ID.", "online": true, "rules": "Online permits must be printed and carried; phone copies are not valid. Read the e-permit terms for seasonal limits. E-Permits only sells personal-use firewood permits.", "notes": [ "Free Tusayan permits: dead or down pinyon pine. Free Williams permits: down ponderosa pine at Kaibab Pit." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Personal-use Firewood Permits (Kaibab)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/kaibab/permits/personal-use-firewood-permits", "updated": "Sep 30, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "dixie", "status": "posted", "price": "$5 per cord, $20 minimum purchase.", "price_num": 20, "amount": "Up to 12 cords.", "season": "Not stated on the official page.", "buy": "Buy online on E-Permits, or in person at the Supervisor's Office in Cedar City or the Public Lands Visitor Center in St. George (cash only there).", "online": true, "rules": "Cut only dead and down or dead and standing wood. Leave marked trees alone. No cutting in posted closed areas, campgrounds, picnic areas, administrative sites or marked timber sales. You may gather beyond 150 feet of the road, but not drive there.", "notes": [ "A map of approved cutting areas comes with the permit." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (Dixie), Fuelwood section", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/dixie/permits", "updated": "May 7, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "manti-la-sal", "status": "posted", "price": "$5 per cord, four-cord ($20) minimum.", "price_num": 20, "amount": "4 cords minimum, 10 cords maximum per household.", "season": "Starting in 2026, permits are valid January through December 31, or until filled.", "buy": "Buy in person at your nearest Forest Service office or online on E-Permits.", "online": true, "rules": "Fill out your permit removal record and use your fuelwood load tags. Some areas may be closed to cutting each year.", "notes": [ "All firewood permits expire December 31." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Forest Products Industry (Manti-La Sal)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/manti-lasal/forest-products/forest-products-industry", "updated": "Jun 1, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "uinta-wasatch-cache", "status": "posted", "price": "4 cords for $30 (minimum). Extra cords are $7.50 each.", "price_num": 30, "amount": "4 cords minimum, 10 cords ($75) maximum per household.", "season": "Permits for the Cache, Weber and Rich County areas are available around mid-June through fall.", "buy": "Buy online on E-Permits, or contact the ranger district where you plan to cut.", "online": true, "rules": "Collect dead and down or dead standing wood in designated areas. The permit is only valid on the forest and district it was bought for.", "notes": [ "Permits from BLM or the states of Utah or Wyoming are not valid on Forest Service land." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (Uinta-Wasatch-Cache)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/uinta-wasatch-cache/permits", "updated": "Oct 16, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "sawtooth", "status": "posted", "price": "$6.25 per cord, 4-cord minimum.", "price_num": 25, "amount": "4 cords minimum, 10 cords maximum per household.", "season": "Permits usually go on sale in mid-May, depending on road conditions.", "buy": "Buy at Sawtooth National Forest offices, participating local vendors, or online through E-Permits.", "online": true, "rules": "Follow Forest Service travel rules for the area unless your permit says otherwise. Fire restrictions may limit cutting later in summer.", "notes": [ "Tribal members may get a free permit with valid ID." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood Permits (Sawtooth)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/sawtooth/permits/firewood-permits", "updated": "May 5, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "flathead", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use.", "price_num": 0, "amount": "Not stated on the current page.", "season": "Free permits are available year-round and are valid until December 31 of the year issued.", "buy": "Get a free permit online through E-Permits, or contact your local ranger district office.", "online": true, "rules": "Gathering any product to sell counts as commercial harvesting and needs a different permit. Use the Motor Vehicle Use Maps for open roads.", "notes": [ "The forest links a Firewood Brochure with detailed cutting rules." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Forest Products Industry (Flathead)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/flathead/forest-products/forest-products-industry", "updated": "Apr 22, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "kootenai", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use.", "price_num": 0, "amount": "Not stated on the current page.", "season": "Not stated on the current page.", "buy": "Contact your local ranger station for the required free permit.", "online": false, "rules": "You must get a free permit and follow it when cutting. Gathering anything to sell needs a commercial permit.", "notes": [ "The Kootenai Permits page still carries an older line saying permits stay free \"through December 31, 2022\"; the forest products page (Mar 9, 2026) says they remain free." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Forest Products Industry (Kootenai)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/kootenai/forest-products/forest-products-industry", "updated": "Mar 9, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "lolo", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use.", "price_num": 0, "amount": "Up to 12 cords.", "season": "Free permits are available year-round and are valid until December 31 of the year issued.", "buy": "Get a free permit online through E-Permits.", "online": true, "rules": "Do not fell live trees. Do not cut trees or logs with signs, tags or paint. Do not fell or skid across streams, lakes or reservoirs. The longest piece you may haul is 6 feet. Near Rock Creek, cutting is closed October 1 to April 30 in set areas.", "notes": [ "Follow chainsaw and vehicle fire rules during fire season." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood Permits (Lolo)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/lolo/forest-products/firewood-permits", "updated": "Jun 5, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "monongahela", "status": "posted", "price": "$20 per permit.", "price_num": 20, "amount": "Up to 5 cords, on one ranger district.", "season": "Permits are good January 1 to December 31 of the year bought.", "buy": "Buy in person at a ranger district office. Call ahead for an appointment.", "online": false, "rules": "Only dead and down trees may be cut. No standing trees, dead or alive, of any size. Pieces must be 4 feet long or less. Painted trees are sold timber; do not cut them. This firewood cannot be sold.", "notes": [ "Cutting on another district needs a separate permit.", "The official page was last updated in May 2025." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood (Monongahela)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/monongahela/permits/firewood", "updated": "May 1, 2025" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "superior", "status": "posted", "price": "$20 for 4 cords.", "price_num": 20, "amount": "4 cords per $20 permit.", "season": "Not stated on the official page.", "buy": "Buy at any district office or online on E-Permits.", "online": true, "rules": "The permit is valid on Superior National Forest land only.", "notes": [], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (Superior), Firewood section", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/permits", "updated": "Jul 15, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "chippewa", "status": "posted", "price": "$20 ($5 a cord, 4 cords).", "price_num": 20, "amount": "4 cords per $20 permit.", "season": "Permits expire one year from the date issued.", "buy": "Buy online on E-Permits, by computer or phone, or at a local Forest Service office.", "online": true, "rules": "Minnesota limits moving firewood to slow forest pests. Keep wood local.", "notes": [ "Campers should buy DNR-approved firewood near their campsite." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (Chippewa), Firewood section", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/chippewa/permits", "updated": "May 27, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "huron-manistee", "status": "posted", "price": "$4 per cord. Minimum 5 cords for $20.", "price_num": 20, "amount": "5 cords minimum, 15 cords ($60) maximum per year.", "season": "Permits are valid through the calendar year and expire December 31, or when you have gathered your cords.", "buy": "Buy in person at a Huron-Manistee office.", "online": false, "rules": "Live trees may not be cut. Dead and down trees may be gathered. Standing dead trees may be cut only within 200 feet of a public road. No cutting within 200 feet of lakes, ponds, streams, rivers or recreation areas. Pieces must be 6 feet or shorter, and stumps 14 inches or lower. On parts of the Manistee, standing dead trees may only be cut September 1 to April 30 to protect the Indiana bat.", "notes": [ "A map of cutting areas comes with the permit." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (Huron-Manistee), Firewood section", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/huron-manistee/permits", "updated": "Aug 20, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "hiawatha", "status": "posted", "price": "$20 per permit.", "price_num": 20, "amount": "Not stated on the forest page.", "season": "Good for one year after purchase, or until you gather the cords you bought.", "buy": "Buy online through E-Permits or at a district office. Bring ID and your vehicle's license plate number.", "online": true, "rules": "Only standing dead and down trees may be gathered. More cutting rules come with the permit. Personal use only.", "notes": [], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (Hiawatha), Firewood section", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/hiawatha/permits", "updated": "Aug 31, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "ottawa", "status": "posted", "price": "$20 per permit. Online and in-person prices are the same.", "price_num": 20, "amount": "4 CCF minimum, 12 CCF maximum per person per year (4 CCF is about 5 full cords).", "season": "Good for one year after purchase, or until you gather the amount you bought.", "buy": "Buy online through E-Permits (print it) or in person at any district office or the visitor center; call ahead.", "online": true, "rules": "Only downed trees may be cut, except standing dead trees under 15 inches across within 100 feet of open Forest Service roads. No live trees. Pieces must be 6 feet or shorter.", "notes": [], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Forest Product Permits (Ottawa)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/ottawa/permits/forest-product-permits", "updated": "Dec 8, 2025" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "chequamegon-nicolet", "status": "posted", "price": "$5 per cord. $20 minimum for 4 cords.", "price_num": 20, "amount": "4 cords minimum, 12 cords maximum per person per year.", "season": "Not stated on the official page.", "buy": "Buy in person at a forest office during business hours, or online through E-Permits.", "online": true, "rules": "Only dead trees may be cut. Standing dead trees 18 inches or less across (at 4.5 feet) may be felled; larger ones may not. Stumps may be no taller than 10 inches. No live trees unless the District Ranger allows it in writing. No cutting within 100 feet of beaver ponds, lakes, streams or rivers. Take wood only within 150 feet of an open road.", "notes": [], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood Permits (Chequamegon-Nicolet)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/chequamegon-nicolet/permits/firewood-permits", "updated": "Mar 4, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "shawnee", "status": "posted", "price": "$5 per CCF, 4 CCF minimum ($20).", "price_num": 20, "amount": "4 CCF minimum, 20 CCF maximum per person for up to one year.", "season": "Valid up to one year from the date issued, or until you collect what you bought.", "buy": "Buy online through E-Permits or in person at any district office or the Forest Supervisor's Office.", "online": true, "rules": "Dead and down wood only. No standing trees, dead or alive. Pieces may be no longer than 8 feet. Use only designated motorized roads.", "notes": [ "The official page describes 4 CCF as both \"approximately four cords\" and \"roughly equivalent to 5 cords\"." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood Permits (Shawnee)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/shawnee/forest-products/firewood-permits", "updated": "May 13, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "white-mountain", "status": "posted", "price": "$20 for 2 cords, then $10 for each extra cord.", "price_num": 20, "amount": "2 cords minimum, 5 cords maximum per calendar year.", "season": "Per calendar year.", "buy": "Buy online with a credit card, or at a district office with cash, card or check. Bring your driver's license and the hauling vehicle's registration.", "online": true, "rules": "Dead and down wood only. Not allowed in active timber sales, developed recreation areas, designated Wilderness, or the Bartlett and Hubbard Brook Experimental Forests.", "notes": [], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Permits (White Mountain), Firewood section", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/whitemountain/permits", "updated": "Oct 1, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "green-mountain", "status": "posted", "price": "$10 per cord, $20 minimum (2 cords).", "price_num": 20, "amount": "2 cords minimum, 10 cords maximum.", "season": "Not stated on the official page.", "buy": "Buy online through USDA E-Permits or in person at the nearest ranger station.", "online": true, "rules": "Dead and down trees only. No standing dead trees, and no live trees without written permission. Stumps may be no taller than 10 inches. Take wood only within 150 feet of an open road. Not allowed in wilderness, research natural areas, administrative sites or developed recreation sites.", "notes": [ "The permit covers the Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests only." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood (Green Mountain & Finger Lakes)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/gmfl/forest-products/firewood", "updated": "Jul 7, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "mark-twain", "status": "posted", "price": "$20 per permit for 4 CCF.", "price_num": 20, "amount": "4 CCF per permit.", "season": "Permits are generally valid six months or less and end March 30, June 30, September 30 or December 31.", "buy": "Buy at your local ranger district office.", "online": false, "rules": "Campers may gather dead and down wood for campfires without a permit.", "notes": [ "Larger permits start at $50, priced by estimated volume." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Firewood Permits (Mark Twain)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/marktwain/permits/firewood-permits", "updated": "Sep 15, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "wallowa-whitman", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use. Local businesses may charge up to $2 per transaction.", "price_num": 0, "amount": "Up to 10 cords per household per year.", "season": "The fuelwood season is May 1 to November 30.", "buy": "Call the forest office to find out when and how permits are available. Local businesses also issue them.", "online": false, "rules": "Do not cut live trees. Dead or down trees under 24 inches across the stump may be cut. Stumps should be no more than 12 inches high. Logs over 6 inches across may not be hauled in lengths over 8 feet. Attach one validated load ticket per 1/2 cord.", "notes": [ "Western larch drops its needles in fall but is still alive. Check the cambium before you cut." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Forest Products Permits (Wallowa-Whitman)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/wallowa-whitman/permits/forest-products-permits", "updated": "Apr 16, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "umatilla", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use. Local businesses may add a $2 vendor fee.", "price_num": 0, "amount": "Up to 12 cords per household per year.", "season": "The firewood season runs May 1 to November 30.", "buy": "Get a permit at a Forest Service office or a participating local business.", "online": false, "rules": "Do not cut live trees. Dead or down trees under 24 inches across the stump may be cut. Stumps should be no more than 12 inches high. Late-summer fire restrictions may limit or ban chainsaw use; call 1-877-958-9663. Attach one validated load ticket per 1/2 cord.", "notes": [ "The page lists an \"Exception for 2025\" for dead or live juniper; it has not been updated for 2026." ], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Forest Product Permits (Umatilla)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/umatilla/permits/forest-product-permits", "updated": "Oct 27, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" }, { "slug": "olympic", "status": "posted", "price": "Free for personal use.", "price_num": 0, "amount": "Up to 6 cords per person per calendar year.", "season": "Not stated on the Forest Service page.", "buy": "The Forest Service page doesn't say where to get the free permit. Contact an Olympic National Forest office.", "online": false, "rules": "Campers may collect downed dead wood for immediate use without a permit. Personal-use wood cannot be sold or processed into a product for sale. To sell firewood, buy a commercial permit: $5 per cord, $20 minimum, up to 10 cords per year ($50 maximum).", "notes": [], "sources": [ { "label": "Forest Service: Special Forest Products (Olympic)", "url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/olympic/forest-products/special-forest-products", "updated": "Oct 7, 2026" } ], "lastVerified": "2026-10-29" } ] }