Christmas Tree Permit Sales Available Online for Shawnee National Forest
Date/Time
Date(s) - 11/15/2022 - 12/31/2022
12:00 am
Categories
Enjoying the fresh air while hiking the forest in search of the
perfect Christmas tree, can be a wonderful way to begin the holiday season. Create special
memories by bringing your family to the Shawnee National Forest to cut your own Christmas tree.
Christmas tree permits are currently available to purchase online and the permit allows one
Christmas tree to be cut between November 15 and December 31, 2022. To purchase a Christmas
tree permit, visit www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/shawnee. Maps of where you can look for your
holiday tree can be downloaded for a free at the same webpage. Please read all the permit
information prior to purchasing your Christmas tree permit. You will need to set up or login to a
Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.
Christmas Tree Permits cost $5.00 (one permit allowed per household), plus a $2.50 online
transaction fee. The permit allows for one Eastern Red Cedar tree to be cut and taken home.
Permittees must harvest the Eastern Red Cedar on Shawnee National Forest land and chainsaws may
be used for cutting the tree. Permittees must also follow Forest Service motor vehicle restrictions in
removal and hauling of their Christmas tree. Trees cannot be cut from any restricted areas listed on
the permit.
“For families interested in creating new traditions, a trip to their local national forest to cut their own
Christmas tree is a perfect opportunity to discover nature and enjoy time together outdoors in search
of the perfect holiday tree” said Michael Chaveas, Forest Supervisor.
Cutting a Christmas tree can also help improve forest health. The permit system helps to thin
densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Removing some Christmas trees allows more
available nutrients and extra space to grow for the trees that are left standing. Opening up groves of
cedar trees can also improve foraging habitat for a variety of wildlife species.