HAMILTON – Cutting your own Christmas tree is a special holiday outing available to those who live near National Forest Lands.
There’s an abundant choice of trees and species on the Bitterroot National Forest. In order to remove a Christmas tree from the National Forest, you need to have a Christmas tree permit.
They may be purchased for $5 at any USFS office or at authorized retailers including Bob Wards, Murdoch’s, and Lone Pine Conoco in Hamilton, Mr. T’s in Darby, Merc Fresh Market in Corvallis, and Cenex in Stevensville. Only cash or personal check will be accepted for payment.
Additionally, as part of the ‘Every Kid in a Park’ (EKIP) national initiative which strives to connect youth with nature, the Bitterroot National Forest is offering one free Christmas tree permit to every fourth grader. Click here to learn more about the program.
Below are some tips for you to get the best tree possible, and manage the forest for years to come:
- Taking a tree from an overcrowded area will give the remaining trees more space, moisture and light to grow.
- Cutting is not allowed in restricted areas such as developed recreation sites and campgrounds, existing timber sale areas or previously thinned areas.
- Please do not cut out the top of a tree or leave a stump higher than eight inches.
- Be sure you are cutting your tree on National Forest land. Maps of the National Forest may be purchased at any USFS office weekdays from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and cost $14 each.
- Be prepared for winter conditions and take a vehicle equipped with 4-wheel drive, snow tires or chains. Start early since winter days are shorter. Keep a watchful eye for snowmobiles and other recreationists walking, skiing, or sledding on back roads.
- If your tree won’t be set up right away, store it in a cool area. When you’re ready to bring it indoors, cut at least an inch off the bottom. The tree will be thirsty so make sure there is always plenty of water in the tree stand. This will prolong the life of the tree through the holidays.
Permits are for personal use only and limited to three per family.
