Christmas Tree Permits Available November 18!

Release Date: Nov 4, 2019

Contact(s): Kristi Schroeder, 530 622-5061


The Eldorado National Forest will begin selling Christmas tree permits on Monday, November 18, 2019.  Permits and tags will be available at the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Placerville, the Placerville District Office in Camino, the Georgetown District Office in Georgetown, and the Amador District Office in Pioneer. Pine, fir or cedar trees up to 6 inches in diameter at the base can be cut with this permit. This program offers an enjoyable holiday experience for families and friends in the natural setting of one of their national forests.

“There’s a lot of variation in nature so sometimes it can be challenging to find a tree,” said Forest Supervisor Laurence Crabtree. “If people want to cut their own tree, but don’t necessarily want to go searching for one, there are also many excellent local Christmas tree farms in the area.” 

Christmas Tree permits will be issued with tree tags at a cost of $10 per tag (cash only), with a limit of two tags per family or address. Permits must be purchased in person, are not transferable and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis until all tags are sold but no later than 12:00 pm on December 27th. Cutting under these permits will be allowed until December 31 to accommodate military families who may need to celebrate a delayed Christmas.

“The Christmas Tree program also supports the Every Kid Outdoors initiative,” said Crabtree.  Fourth graders who present a valid EKO pass are entitled to one free Christmas tree. “Getting kids out in the forest builds healthy relationships and can make a life lasting impression. Our young people are the future stewards of the forest.”

Visit www.EveryKidOutdoors.gov for information about the program and to get your pass. Visit any of our Eldorado NF offices selling Christmas Tree permits to get your Christmas tree tag. The student must be present to get the tag.

Cutting a Christmas tree offers a traditional holiday experience, and helps to thin out small diameter trees on the forest, which creates a healthier forest over time. It is important to remember that winter storm weather can be dangerous due to wet roads, and winds which may cause branches or dead trees to fall. If possible, visitors should try to avoid wet, windy days, or be sure to use extra caution and always let someone know their travel plans. 

Permits will be sold in four locations Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (all offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day).

  • Forest Supervisor's Office - 100 Forni Road (3034 Briw Road for GPS), Placerville
  • Placerville Ranger District - 4260 Eight Mile Road, Camino
  • Amador Ranger District - 26820 Silver Drive, Pioneer
  • Georgetown Ranger District - 7600 Wentworth Springs Road, Georgetown

Saturdays: The Forest Supervisor’s Office, Amador, and Georgetown offices will also be open Saturdays on November 23rd,  30th and December 7th unless all the tags have been sold out by that date.

A Christmas Tree Cutting map will be provided to all permit holders and is required to be in the permittee’s possession when cutting. This map identifies areas of the forest where Christmas Tree cutting is allowed. Permit holders should only drive vehicles on National Forest System roads, or park vehicles within one car length from the road.

Please follow permit guidelines for responsible collection, including respecting private property and not trespassing when entering or leaving National Forest lands. Visitors should check for seasonal road closures and be prepared to walk into a cutting area to find a tree. No off-road vehicle travel is allowed.

For more information, visit the forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado.

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