Christmas tree permits are available for purchase
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Christmas tree permits are available now until December 31.
They can be purchase online through recreation.gov and in-person through venders and at the district offices.
Details regarding designated cutting areas, dates and height restrictions may be found at recreation.gov and at http://www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf.
Last year, the Forest sold 7,957 permits, in which 2,696 were from online sales.
To purchase a Christmas Tree permit, visit Recreation.gov and search for Caribou-Targhee National Forest Christmas Tree Permits. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. Permits are $15 for trees up to 20 feet tall and limited to one per household. An additional fee is applied when utilizing recreation.gov.
Permits are still available through local ranger district offices and participating vendor locations. Please call ahead for the options available to purchase your Christmas tree permit at local ranger district offices. Working with external vendors allows the Forest to offer permits during weekend and evening hours. Most Forest Service offices are closed on federal holidays and weekends. Vendor locations, as well as safety tips and how to properly care for your tree can be found on its website HERE.
“A common question we get is, where does the fee money go?” Timber Program Manager Tom Silvey said. “A portion of the permit fee's goes towards soliciting additional vendors to make obtaining a permit more convenient, increase staffing during peak use periods to better assist with information and directions, increase compliance patrols and checks, provide safety to the public, and other functions and support to the program.”
Weather changes fast in the area and road conditions can deteriorate quickly. The public is encouraged to harvest their tree as soon as possible. Many Forest roads are subject to seasonal closures. Know where you can go by downloading your free Motorized Vehicle Use Map at www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf/ and adhere to the Christmas tree cutting guidelines and maps. The Every Kid Outdoors provides one free Christmas Tree permit to any fourth grader who presents a valid Every Kid Outdoor pass. Please keep in mind this offer can only be validated through the local Forest Service and recreation.gov site. Vendors are unable to provide free passes. The Every Kid in a Park initiative allows fourth graders to go to the Every Kid in the Park web site and obtain a pass for free entry for them and their families to more than 2,000 federally managed lands and waters for an entire year starting September 1, 2021. For more information on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf.
