Christmas tree permits for National Forest System lands on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Bridgeport and Carson Ranger Districts are available for purchase online through Recreation.gov, as well as in-person at multiple locations. Details about designated cutting areas, dates, and types of trees that may be cut can be found at http://bit.ly/HTNFChristmasTreePermit. “The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has a long history of welcoming holiday visitors into the forest to cut their own Christmas trees,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “This is a generational tradition for many families and may be a new experience for those who are just getting acquainted with the program. Either way, it is a special way for the public to connect with and create memories within their local national forest.” The U.S. Forest Service Christmas Tree Program is designed for families, businesses, and institutions wishing to cut their own trees for decorating. Christmas tree permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis for $10 each, with a limit of two trees per household. Permits are nonrefundable and nontransferable, and only valid through Dec. 25. The Bridgeport and Carson Ranger Districts have a limited amount of Christmas tree permits available, and once those allotted permits are sold, no more will be available. To purchase a Christmas tree permit online, visit Recreation.gov and search for the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Christmas Tree Permits (https://bit.ly/RecreationgovHTNFChristmasTreePermits). It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. Please be aware that if purchasing through Recreation.gov there will be an additional fee of $2.50 per transaction. The Carson Ranger District office in Carson City and Supervisor’s Office in Reno will not be selling Christmas permits this year. Permits will be available at the locations listed here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd674952.pdf. Each Christmas tree permit is valid for the cutting of one tree on lands managed by the Ranger District for which the permit was purchased. A map and cutting rules and regulations will be included with the permit. The permit does not authorize cutting on private, state, or other federal lands. Christmas trees cannot be harvested within developed campgrounds, administrative sites, or designated wilderness areas. There are areas on both the Bridgeport and Carson Ranger Districts that area closed to Christmas tree cutting due to public safety and wildfire impacts, please refer to the maps provided with the permit. The topping of Christmas trees has resulted to serious problems in previous years by leaving behind high tree stumps. Please ensure that the maximum height of the stump left behind is no taller than six inches above bare soil with no live branches left on the stump. Remember, topping trees is not permitted. you’ve purchased a Christmas tree permit in person, please make sure the adhesive tag is attached securely to the tree, so it is visible during transportation. If you purchased your permit through Recreation.gov, a copy of the permit is required to be placed visibly on your vehicle dashboard. “Keep your family and your own safety in mind as you head out to look for a Christmas tree on National Forest lands,” said Dunkelberger. “Dress warmly and bring along a saw, shovel, map, snacks and water. Also make sure relatives or friends know where you are going and when to expect you home.” Getting your tree early before the snow falls usually means better access on forest roads. High-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles and traction devices are recommended when driving on mountain roads at this time of year. Vehicles with inadequate tires and/or no chains have caused extensive problems in the past, blocking roads and preventing other drivers from being able to enter or leave the cutting areas. Remember, most forest roads are not plowed in the winter. Leave early in the day to allow for maximum daylight. Be prepared for unpredictable weather, check road conditions before leaving, and always use caution when emerging onto main roads. Forest officials would like to remind the public that proper and responsible use of vehicles on Forest roads is important to ensure roads remain in good shape for all visitors. Causing damage to roads and other Forest resources can be a violation of federal regulations, which could carry a fine up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail. The Carson Ranger District is also recommending the public not cut Christmas trees in the Dog Valley area unless they have a four- wheel drive and/or high clearance vehicle. The Dog Valley Road, which is located near Verdi, Nevada, about 15 miles west of Reno, is a steep dirt road that is extremely hazardous when snow and ice covered. The Road is not accessible once the Reno–Sparks Metropolitan area receives significant amount of snow. People with only two-wheel drive vehicles might want to cut a Christmas Tree off Nevada State Route 431 (Mount Rose Highway) in south Reno. For list of suggested cutting areas, visit: https://bit.ly/CRDSuggestedCuttingAreas. For additional information on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/htnf or participate in the conversation at https://twitter.com/HumboldtToiyabe and https://www.facebook.com/HumboldtToiyabeNF/.
