The Plumas National Forest announces that with the holiday season underway, Christmas tree permits are now available at local forest offices or online through www.Recreation.gov.
Permits cost $10 and are nonrefundable. A maximum of two permits can be purchased per household and they are valid through Dec. 31. Each permit is valid to cut one tree and must be secured to the tree in a place visible during transport of the tree from the forest.
PNF Christmas tree permits are only valid for use on the forest. It is the responsibility of the cutter to ensure they are not getting their tree from private, state or other federal lands, said PNF. Christmas trees also cannot be harvested in congressionally designated wilderness areas, active timber sales, developed recreation sites or tree plantations.
PNF offices can answer questions regarding Christmas tree cutting, current conditions and roads. PNF recommends that purchasers call first to verify that Christmas tree permits are available at a Forest Service office and methods of payment the office accepts.
- Beckwourth Ranger District
23 Mohawk Highway, Blairsden; 530-836-2574; Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Feather River Ranger District
875 Mitchell Ave., Oroville; 530-534-6500; Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Forest Supervisor’s Office
159 Lawrence St., Quincy; 530-283-2050; Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; cash or check only
Offices will be closed during federal holidays including Thanksgiving on Nov. 27. Offices are also closed midday for lunch.
Christmas tree permits will also be available at the Plumas National Forest booth during Sparkle on the courthouse lawn in downtown Quincy on Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. Accepted payment will be cash or check only.
Those purchasing the permit online through Recreation.gov can search for “Plumas National Forest Christmas Tree Permit.” Online permits through Recreation.gov cost $10 plus a $2.50 reservation fee. The purchase can be completed from a computer or mobile device. The permit must be printed to be valid and visible on the vehicle dashboard when transporting the tree.
PNF points out that fourth graders with a valid Every Kid Outdoors pass can use their pass to get a free Christmas tree permit to enjoy with their family.
EKO passes can also be acquired by visiting https://everykidoutdoors.gov and completing the application process. Recreation.gov has an option for EKO passholders to get their Christmas tree permit online. The $2.50 reservation fee will be still be applied. Those interested can search for the national forest where they want to cut their tree, check the box for the EKO pass, enter the EKO voucher or pass number and complete the purchase information.
“Cutting a Christmas tree on the Plumas National Forest is a great holiday tradition for many families and also helps with hazardous fuels reduction by removing smaller trees from the forest,” said PNF. Following are some tips to make the experience more enjoyable.
- Plan the trip: Check the weather. Bring plenty of warm clothes, water, emergency food, tire chains, shovel, a saw or axe to cut the tree, and a tarp and rope to bring it home. Make sure to have a full tank of gas and be prepared for changing conditions. Let someone know the destination, route and planned return time.
- Keep vehicles on designated roads and be aware of changing weather and road conditions. Wet dirt roads can quickly turn to mud, making it possible to get stuck and causing damage to road, soil and water resources. If drivers see puddles in the road, mud flipping off the tires or their own ruts in the rearview mirror, they should consider pulling over and taking a hike to look for a tree, or turning around and finding a different area to cut a tree.
- Cut a tree early in the season before favorite cutting areas can’t be reached because of snow.
- Cut the tree close to the ground, leaving as little of a stump as possible.
- Attach the permit on the tree where it will be easily visible with the tree packed or tied on the vehicle for transport home.
- To help keep a tree fresh, cut at least one inch off the base when arriving home and stand the tree in a container of water in a cool, shaded area, checking the water level daily.
More information on the Plumas National Forest is available at www.fs.usda.gov/plumas and www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.