Christmas tree permit program put on pause at Lake Tahoe Basin. Where else can you go?
Want to cut down your own Christmas tree in Northern California?
The U.S. Forest Service’s Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is putting its Christmas tree permit program on hold after more than two decades.
The Forest Service announced in a September news release that it’s temporarily pausing the program “for several years” due to limited cutting areas suitable for harvesting holiday trees.
However, you can still get permits to cut down Christmas trees at a number of national forests.
Why is Lake Tahoe Basin permit program on hold?
“The temporary pause will allow ongoing forest health and fuels reduction projects to be completed in some areas ... and give saplings time to grow large enough in other locations to support a Christmas tree program in the future,” Forest Service vegetation management staff officer Victor Lyon said in the release.
On average, the program sells about 2,500 Christmas tree permits per year.
When will it return?
Forest Service spokesperson Lisa Herron said there wasn’t a time table for the permit program’s return.
Where can I cut down Christmas trees?
Christmas tree permits will be available for Eldorado, Humboldt-Toiyabe and Tahoe national forests, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit confirmed.
To purchase a permit for a holiday tree, visit recreation.gov/tree-permits and search by state or forest name.
You can find a full list of locations where Christmas tree permits are available here.
Prices for tree permits generally range from $5 to $10, although some locations may vary.
Applicants can also visit or call the following ranger stations:
Placerville District Office: 100 Forni Road, Placerville; 530-622-5061
Amador District Office: 26820 Silver Drive, Pioneer; 209-259-3774
Georgetown District Office: 7600 Wentworth Springs Road, Georgetown; 530-333-4312
Nevada City Supervisor’s Office: 631 Coyote St., Nevada City; 530-265-4531
American River District Office: 22830 Foresthill Road, Foresthill; 530-492-5631
Sierraville District Office: 317 South Lincoln St., Sierraville; 530-994-3401
Truckee District Office: 10811 Stockrest Springs Road, Truckee; 530-587-3558
Yuba River District Office (by appointment only): 15924 Highway 49, Camptonville; 530-265-4531
In-person applicants are encouraged to call ahead to ensure permits are still available.
Can my kid get a free Christmas tree permit?
Yes, children can get free Christmas trees permits through the Every Kid Outdoors program, created in 2019 by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Forest Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The pass is limited to U.S. fourth grade students.
Kids can apply free in person at available district offices, or online for a $2.50 fee.
Students must be present to receive their permits and present when trees are cut at participating locations.
This story was originally published November 12, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
