Cutting Christmas Trees in a National Forest - be sure you get a
permit first! What could be better than cutting your own fresh
Christmas tree in a National Forest? Why does the government
allow this? There are actually good forest management reasons to
thin trees in some circumstances, so cutting a tree actually
helps the Forest Service manage the forests. Be aware that to
cut a tree in a National Forest requires a permit, and the NFS
encourages safe practices. "Trees from your national forests
brighten homes across the country every year," said U.S. Forest
Service Chief Tom Tidwell. "We encourage people to be aware of
changing weather conditions, dress accordingly and always follow
safe cutting practices when looking for that perfect tree this
holiday season." Each year, local Forest Service offices sell
permits that allow individuals to cut one fresh tree on national
forest lands. Fees for the permits vary dependent on location.
The permit program helps the agency thin stands that have a
concentration of s