Christmas tree permits now available for purchase

Christmas tree permits are now available for $5 cash at each of the Flathead National Forest offices in Kalispell, Hungry Horse and Bigfork.

Additionally, permits can be purchased from a variety of retail vendors in the area. The Christmas Tree Harvest Guide and a complete list of vendors can be found on the Forest’s website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/flathead/passes-permits/forestproducts.

In Whitefish, permits are available at Army Navy on Highway 93 South.

Each permit is good for the harvest of one tree from National Forest land, with a maximum of three permits per household.

As part of the national Every Kid in a Park initiative, all fourth graders are eligible for one free Christmas tree permit. For students to receive a free tree permit, they must present a valid Every Kid in the Park Pass. To obtain the pass, visit www.everykidinapark.gov, follow the instructions on the website then print out the paper voucher. Bring the voucher to a Forest Service office to claim the free permit. The fourth grader and adult must present the voucher in person at the office location.

The Forest Service is one of several federal agencies participating in the Every Kid in a Park initiative, a nationwide call to action to inspire young people across the country to visit their national parks, forests, public lands and waters. Getting outdoors to find and cut the family Christmas tree is one way for kids and families to explore, learn and play in these special places that belong to all of us.

The forest has an abundant choice of trees and areas from which to choose for selecting a tree. Trees should not be cut in campgrounds or other developed areas, plantations, in previously thinned stands and areas posted as closed to Christmas tree harvest.

Select a tree that is 4 inches or less at the stump. Cut the stump as close to the ground as possible and don’t harvest an oversized tree to just utilize the top portion. Once the tree is cut, securely fasten the permit at the base of the tree before transporting.

Officials advise those heading out to harvest a tree, to check the weather forecast and always let someone know where they are going and when they expect to return. Maps are available for purchase at Flathead National Forest offices.

For more information about vendors and cutting trees on the Flathead National Forest, please contact a local office: Tally Lake Ranger District/Supervisor’s Office at (406) 758-5204, Hungry Horse, Glacier View and Spotted Bear Ranger Districts at (406) 387-3800 and Swan Lake Ranger District at (406) 837-7500.