Christmas tree permits to begin on Forest Service land in Carson, Tahoe and Bridgeport areas

Christmas tree cutting permits will be available Wednesday, Nov. 1 on the Carson and Bridgeport Ranger Districts and Monday, Nov. 6 for the Lake Tahoe Basin, the U.S. Forest Service announced.

The Carson Ranger District office will be selling Christmas tree tags out of the office located at 1536 S. Carson St., Carson City. The office can be contacted at 775-882-2766, and hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Supervisor's Office will also be selling Christmas tree tags, and their Reno office, 1200 Franklin Way, Reno. The office can be contacted at 775-331-6444, and their office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 4:30 pm.

In addition, permits will be available at various vendors in Bridgeport, Walker, Woodfords Canyon, and Markleeville in California and Reno, Sparks, Carson City and Gardnerville.

Christmas tree permits for National Forest System lands on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest's Bridgeport and Carson Ranger Districts will also be available for purchase online through Recreation.gov, as well as in-person at multiple locations, starting Wednesday, Nov. 1. Details about designated cutting areas, dates, and types of trees that may be cut can be found here.

"The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has a long history of welcoming holiday visitors into the Forest to cut their own Christmas trees," said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. "This is a generational tradition for many families and maybe a new experience for those just getting acquainted with the program. Either way, it is a special way for the public to connect with and create memories within their local National Forest."

Tree permits are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis for $10 each, with a limit of two trees per household. Permits are nonrefundable, nontransferable, and valid only through Dec. 25, 2023. The Carson Ranger District has limited Christmas tree permits available, and once those allotted permits are sold, no more will be available.

To purchase a Christmas tree permit online, visit Recreation.gov and search for the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Christmas Tree Permits. It is essential to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information before purchasing the permit. Visitors need to set up or log in to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. Please be aware that if purchasing through Recreation.gov, there will be an additional fee of $2.50 per transaction.

The Bridgeport Ranger District office will sell Christmas tree permits in the office. For in-person purchases, the office can be located at 75694 US-395, Bridgeport, Calif. When purchasing a tag, the customer will receive the Christmas tree tags and the permit with regulations and maps. Please sign the permit and keep it with you when collecting a tree.

Each Christmas tree tag is valid for cutting one tree on lands managed by the Ranger District for which the permit was purchased. A map, cutting rules, and regulations will be included with the permit. The permit does not authorize cutting on private, state, or other federal lands.

Christmas trees cannot be harvested within developed campgrounds, administrative sites, or designated wilderness areas. Some areas in both the Bridgeport and Carson Ranger Districts are closed to Christmas tree cutting due to public safety and wildfire impacts. Refer to maps provided with the permit.

The topping of Christmas trees has resulted in severe problems in previous years by leaving behind high tree stumps. Please ensure that the maximum height of the stump left behind is at most six inches above bare soil with no live branches left on the stump. Topping trees is not permitted. If you've purchased a Christmas tree permit in person, please ensure the adhesive tag is attached securely to the tree so it is visible during transportation. If you purchased your permit through Recreation.gov, a copy of the permit is required to be placed visibly on your vehicle dashboard.

"Keep your family and your safety in mind as you head out to look for a Christmas tree on National Forest lands," said Dunkelberger. "Dress warmly and bring a saw, shovel, map, snacks, and water. Also, ensure relatives or friends know where you are going and when to expect you home."

Getting your tree early before the snow falls usually means better access on forest roads. High-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles and traction devices are recommended when driving on mountain roads at this time of year. Vehicles with inadequate tires and no chains have caused extensive problems in the past, blocking roads and preventing other drivers from being able to enter or leave the cutting areas. Remember, most forest roads are not plowed in the winter.

Leave early in the day to allow for maximum daylight. Be prepared for unpredictable weather, check road conditions before leaving, and always use caution when emerging onto main roads.

Forest officials would like to remind the public that proper and responsible use of vehicles on Forest roads is important to ensure roads remain in good shape for all visitors. Causing road damage and other Forest resources can violate federal regulations, which could carry a fine of up to $5,000 and six months in jail.

The Carson Ranger District also recommends that the public only cut Christmas trees in the Dog Valley area if they have a four-wheel drive and high-clearance vehicle. The Dog Valley Road, located near Verdi, Nevada, about 15 miles west of Reno, is a steep dirt road that is extremely hazardous when snow and ice are covered. The Road is not accessible once the Reno-Sparks Metropolitan area receives significant snow. People with only two-wheel drive vehicles might want to cut a Christmas Tree off Nevada State Route 431 (Mount Rose Highway) in south Reno.

For additional information on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/htnf or participate in the conversation at https://twitter.com/HumboldtToiyabe and https://www.facebook.com/HumboldtToiyabeNF/.

Lake Tahoe Christmas tree permit sales begin Nov. 6
Meanwhile, the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will offer Christmas tree permits for the Lake Tahoe Basin beginning Monday, Nov. 6, 2023.

Permits will be sold in-person only at the Forest Supervisor’s office in South Lake Tahoe at 35 College Drive.

Permits cost $10 each (please bring cash only), with a limit of one permit per family or household. The Forest Supervisor’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8 to 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays.

The LTBMU’s popular Christmas tree permit program began over 20 years ago as a way to offer families a traditional holiday experience while improving forest health by removing small diameter ladder fuels (vegetation that allows wildfire to climb from the forest floor into the treetops) from the forest. Since the program began, an average of 2,500 permits were sold each year. The LTBMU thanks everyone who participated in this successful program over the years.

“Next year, the permit program will be temporarily paused to allow saplings time to grow large enough to support a Christmas tree program in the future,” said Vegetation Management Staff Officer, Victor Lyon. The limited cutting areas that are suitable for the Christmas tree program and have legal and safe areas to park during snow removal conditions, have been cleared of almost all suitable trees in prior years or are being treated by forest health and fuels reduction projects.

Lyon continued, “Given the limited number of permits requested to support the Every Kid Outdoors program, and our determination to support this program, we will find an appropriate location to continue to allow free tree cutting permits for fourth-grade students into the future.” The LTBMU will also collaborate with nearby forests to provide information to those who usually cut trees in the Tahoe Basin on where they can cut Christmas trees on neighboring forests in 2024.

LTBMU 2023 permits will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis during regular business hours. Please arrive before 4 p.m. to allow time to process the permit before the office closes. Based on the pace of sales last year and the fact that permits did not sell out, there is no reason to arrive at the office first thing in the morning and stand in line. We anticipate 2,000 permits will be available.

This year, cutting will be limited to the following three areas: Fountain Place Road (1201) at the end of Oneidas Street off Pioneer Trail; Lower Barker Pass Road in Blackwood Canyon (15N38) off SR 89; and Baldwin Beach Road (1305) off SR 89. Maps will be provided at the time of permit purchase.

Permits must be purchased by the individual cutting the tree and are not transferable. Cutting under these permits will be allowed until Dec. 31, to accommodate military families and others who may need to celebrate a delayed Christmas.

In support of the Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) Program, the LTBMU will offer one free Christmas tree permit to fourth-grade students who present a valid EKO Pass. Students must be present to receive their permit and when cutting the tree. Visit the EKO website for more information and to obtain the EKO Pass.

Please comply with the following tree selection process to ensure forest health benefits. Permit holders may choose from a variety of pine, fir, or cedar trees. Select a tree that is less than six inches in diameter at the base of the tree and is within 10 feet of another green tree. Cut down the entire tree (not just the top) and leave a stump that is six inches or less above the ground. Scatter discarded branches away from roads, ditches, and culverts. Attach the tag to the tree, ensuring it remains visible and secure, before leaving the cutting area.

Permit holders should follow permit guidelines for responsible collection, including not trespassing onto private property when entering or leaving National Forest cutting areas. Park legally with all four tires on the inside of the white fog line, do not block gates and be prepared to hike to the cutting area to find a tree. Keep in mind no off-road travel is allowed.

Weather conditions in the mountains are unpredictable and travel during winter weather can be dangerous due to wet and/or icy roads. Visitors should avoid cutting on wet, windy days as wind gusts may cause branches or trees to fall. Check the weather before heading out and always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Dress appropriately for cold weather conditions and be prepared for ice and snow.

Carry tire chains, a shovel, and emergency supplies, including water, food, extra blankets, and a first-aid kit. Keep in mind, mobile devices may not work in some areas and develop an emergency plan in case you cannot call for help.

For online permits, check recreation.gov for nearby forests.