Christmas tree permits for the Shoshone and Bighorn national forests and local Bureau of Land Management properties are now available to purchase online and at certain locations.

Details about designated cutting areas, cutting dates, and types of trees that may be cut can be found at www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/shoshone for the Shoshone, www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/bighorn for the Bighorns, and www.blm.gov/wyoming-christmas-trees for the BLM.

“For many families, venturing into the Bighorn National Forest to cut their Christmas tree for the holidays is a treasured tradition carried on for generations,” said Andrea Maichak, Bighorn National Forest recreation staff officer. “For families creating new traditions, a trip to their local forest to cut their own Christmas tree may be a thrilling experience as they discover the joy of hiking through the forest in search of the perfect holiday centerpiece.”

Cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health: Federal land managers say the permit system helps to thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees or in areas where conifers are encroaching on meadows and aspen stands. Removing trees in these areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide forage for wildlife, they report.

It is important to carefully read the need-to-know information before purchasing a permit, federal land managers say.

For instance, Bighorn National Forest managers prohibit permit holders from cutting limber pine trees. The Christmas tree permits can be used for any species of tree in the Shoshone and on BLM lands, but BLM says Engelmann spruce, sub-alpine fir, Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine are the best choices for Christmas trees.

Trees may not be cut within wilderness areas, wilderness study areas, timber sale areas, places that have been planted with new trees or administrative sites such as developed campgrounds. 

Tree hunters also have a responsibility to stay off private lands and within designated trails and roads.

The Forest Service’s $8 permits can be used for one tree up to 20 feet tall, with additional permits required for a taller tree. There is an additional $2.50 service fee when purchasing a tree permit through Recreation.gov, but they are also available for purchase at Shoshone and Bighorn national forest offices and certain local businesses. Shoshone permits are available at One Stop Motorsports in Powell, Good 2 Go Store No. 5 in Ralston, Good 2 Go stores Nos. 2, 3 and 4 in Cody, plus The Red Barn in Wapiti and the Wea Market in Meeteetse.

Permits for Christmas trees on BLM lands can be purchased online or at any of the bureau’s field offices, including the one at 1002 Blackburn St. in Cody. The cost ranges from $5 to $10, depending on the location.

Fourth graders can get a Christmas tree permit for free when they present a valid interagency pass at forest offices or online, available at everykidoutdoors.gov/pass.htm. It’s part of the Every Kid Outdoors program, which aims to “involve fourth graders and their families in federal public lands to help develop a generation who will care for those lands.” The Christmas tree permit is good for trees under 10 feet.