Christmas Tree Permits
Permits to cut Christmas trees on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest's Austin-Tonopah, Bridgeport, Carson, Ely, and Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger Districts are available for purchase seasonally at Recreation.gov as well as at multiple locations. Please be aware that if purchasing through Recreation.gov there will be an additional fee of $2.50 per transaction.
The U.S. Forest Service Christmas Tree Program is designed for families, businesses, and institutions wishing to cut their own trees for decorating.
Page Navigation Menu
- How to Purchase a Christmas Tree
- Christmas Tree Cutting
- Safety Tips
- Christmas Tree Permit Information for Other Areas
How to Purchase a Christmas Tree Permit
Austin-Tonopah Ranger District
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Cost $5 each, with a limit of five trees per household.
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Purchase online through Recreation.gov ($2.50 per transaction) or in-person and by phone (picked up or mailed) at the District's Austin office (775-964-2671/100 Midas Canyon Road, Austin, NV) or Tonopah office (775-482-6286/1400 S. Erie Main St. Tonopah, NV).
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Permits are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
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Christmas Tree Cutting Information
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Cutting Area Map
Bridgeport Ranger District
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Cost $10 each, with a limit of two trees per household.
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Purchase online through Recreation.gov ($2.50 per transaction) or at one of these VENDORS.
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Permits are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
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Christmas Tree Cutting Information
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Cutting Area Map
Carson Ranger District
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Cost $10 each, with a limit of two per household.
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Purchased online through Recreation.gov ($2.50 per transaction) or at one of these VENDORS.
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Permits are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
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The Carson Ranger District has a limited amount of Christmas tree permits available, and once those allotted permits are sold, no more will be available.
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Watch the Christmas Tree Permit Information video sponsored by Galena Creek Visitor Center, Galena Creek Regional Park, and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
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Christmas Tree Cutting Information
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Cutting Area Maps
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Carson Ranger District
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- News Release
The Carson Ranger District recommends 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 (Review MAP). Suggested cutting areas include the following locations:
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Atoma Area is located across from the Mt. Rose Ski Area off Mount Rose Highway. Please find a safe area or developed pull-off to park before hiking into the area. Parking and access are extremely limited in this area, and it is illegal to park along the highway.
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Jones Creek area is located near the Galena Creek Visitor Center off of Mount Rose Highway. Please park in the Jones Creek/Whites Creek Trailhead parking lot and hike into the area by following posted signs to identified Christmas tree cutting areas.
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Upper Whites Creek area is accessible from Forest Service Road 41047 (Whites Creek Road), which is off of Timberline Drive. Whites Creek Road is gated, so it will be necessary to hike into the area to cut a Christmas Tree.
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.
Ely Ranger District
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Cost $5 each, with a limit of five trees per household.
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Purchased online through Recreation.gov ($2.50 per transaction) or in-person and by phone (picked up or mailed) at the District office (775-289-2132/825 Avenue E, Ely, NV).
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Permits are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
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Christmas Tree Cutting Information
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Cutting Area Map
- News Release
Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District
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Cost $5 each, with a limit of five trees per household.
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Purchased online through Recreation.gov ($2.50 per transaction) or in-person and by phone (picked up or mailed) at the District's Elko office (775-738-5171/660 South 12th St., Ste. 108 Elko, NV) or Wells office (775-752-3357/140 Pacific Ave, Wells, NV) or at one of these vendors.
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Permits are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
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Christmas Tree Cutting Information
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Cutting Area Map
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Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District
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- News Release
Christmas Tree Cutting
Each Christmas tree permit is valid for the cutting of one tree in specific areas 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 also cannot be harvested within developed campgrounds, administrative sites, or designated wilderness areas.
REMEMBER TOPPING TREES IS NOT PERMITTED! The topping of trees and leaving behind high tree stumps is visually undesirable and can cause resource management problems. 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. Also attach the Christmas tree permit securely to the tree so it is visible during transportation.
Tips on How to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Flyer
Safety Tips
Keep your family and your own safety in mind as you head out to look for a Christmas tree on National Forest lands. Dress warmly, fill your gas tank, and bring along a saw, shovel, chains map, food, water, warm drinks, blanket(s), and first-aid kit. Bring a rope and tarp to pack your tree in or on your vehicle for the trip home. Remember to pack out your trash. 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, so access may be limited due to seasonal road closures. 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.
Christmas Tree Permit Information for Other Areas
National Forests
Nevada BLM
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Battle Mountain District
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Carson City District
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Elko District
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Ely District
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Winnemucca District