Stanislaus National Forest Christmas Tree Permit

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Christmas Tree Permit?

• A Permit is required to remove a Christmas tree from the Stanislaus National Forest.
• The forest offers Christmas tree removal to assist in forest heath and promote families outdoors.  
• Allows the public to remove a hardwood tree (Pine species, Fir species and Incense Cedar) within the height limits for the holiday season. 20’ height maximum. 6” diameter maximum.

Where are Permits available

• All permits are on sold through recreation.gov search Stanislaus National Forest Christmas Tree permit  https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/TP2648
• If you don’t already have an account, create a free recreation.gov account to purchase a permit
• Permits cost $20 per tree, plus a transaction fee for recreation.gov
  • 4^th graders get a free tree with the 4^th Grade Every Kid Outdoors Pass. Use the pass #when purchasing the permit online
• One recreation.gov account can purchase 2 trees on one permit; for personal use only and not for resale.
• Permits are non-transferable. No refunds. Permit must be in possession and displayed on dashboard when cutting and transporting tree(s). 
• Permits and photo ID shall be shown to a Law Enforcement or Forest Service Officer upon request.

Where to Cut Your Tree

• Please refer to the district specific maps to see what locations are available for tree cutting. Cutting is permitted only on Stanislaus National Forest land.
  • Some roads that are designated for cutting will be closed starting 12/15
    • You may walk, bike ride, snowshoe, cross-country ski or snowmobile in.
    • If you snowmobile in please ensure you are following the Over Snow Vehicle Use Map (OSVUM). There must be at least 12” of snow on the ground before snowmobiling.
• Permit holders are not to trespass onto private property when cutting their tree. Know where you are before you cut.

• Please do not cut within campgrounds, day use areas, trailheads, scenic pullouts, wilderness areas or special use permit areas. See map that shows allowed cutting areas.
• Motorized vehicles are only allowed on existing roads and trails that are open to the public. No off-road travel is allowed (unless by snowmobile in open-riding areas). Refer to the Christmas Tree Cutting Map provided on the recreation.gov webpage.
• Observe seasonal road closures and be prepared to hike to the cutting area to find a tree. On December 15 many forest roads are closed to motor vehicle use, refer to the Christmas Tree Cutting Map to see which forest roads are open or closed after December 15.
  • The public will have to choose an accessible location by car or hike, snowmobile, and/or cross-country ski into areas to cut a Christmas tree.
• Permit holders are reminded to park safely off the roadway and do not block gates.
• You must print you Christmas Tree Permit and have it displayed on your dashboard when cutting and transporting your tree(s).

Selecting Your Tree

• Tree Height: 20 feet maximum
• Stump height after cut: 12 inches maximum
• Tree diameter at stump diameter: 6 inches maximum
• Do not cut isolated trees growing in the open.
• Select Pine, Fir, or Cedar. Do not cut any hardwood such as aspen or oak.
• Take the whole tree of correct size for your home.
• Do not cut a larger tree and remove the top of the tree.
• If snow is on the ground, remove snow from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height.

Planning Your Trip

How to Plan Your Trip

• Before you leave home, be sure to measure the space where you plan to place the tree in your home (height and width) and measure the space in your vehicle where you will be transporting the tree.
• Cell service may be spotty or unavailable. Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect you back. Bring plenty of food and water with you as well as an overnight survival kit in case you become stranded. Start your day early. Be sure to find your tree and leave the woods before dark. Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow and winds.
• Check the latest weather conditions, forest warnings and road closures before you leave on your trip.
• Bring a map with you. Don't rely on GPS because it may not be up-to-date with forest service roads.
• Roads may not be plowed. Carry tire chains, shovel(s) and a tow chain. Bring a spare key and give it to someone else in your party. Don't get locked out of your car! Park in areas so that traffic can get by safely, and do not block gates. Be sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas.
• We don't recommend bringing your pets but, if you do, they must be under control or on a leash.
• We recommend having Avenza app Stanislaus National Forest map and/or the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) on your phone and use the QR code for the Christmas Tree Cutting map to see your location and to ensure you are within the forest area where tree cutting is allowed.

Helpful Cutting Tips

• Carry your tree carefully out of the woods. Dragging the tree will rub off needles and bark.
• Tools to bringing with you include a measuring tape; handsaw to cut your tree; gloves to protect your hands; boots to protect your feet; a tarp to sit on and/or to move your tree once it's cut; and rope or straps to secure your tree to your vehicle.
• Choose a tree from a dense forested area, which will give the remaining trees more space to grow.
• Cut the leftover branches from the stump and scatter them.
• Transport: securely tie tree to the vehicle. Face the stump end of the tree to front of the vehicle to prevent wind damage.
• If storing your tree outside for a few days before bringing it in the house, keep it in an area protected from the wind, such as the north or east side of your house or under a shaded tree. Place the tree in water as soon as possible.
• When it is time to bring the tree indoors, make a straight fresh cut to remove about ½ inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Trees will take up an extraordinary amount of water the first few days indoors. Check the water level of the tree frequently.

Why is there a fee this year and what does the fee go towards?

• Revenue generated would be used to reinvest in the program the following years.
• Services provided are extended office hours on weekends, extra patrols, educational outreach, and most importantly an additional recreation opportunity to get people outdoors, enjoying their National Forest.
  • Restrooms located at Sno-Parks and in areas adjacent to tree cutting zones will be left open during the fall and winter seasons. These restroom facilities will be clearly identified on a user map to reduce impacts.
  • Interpretive Programs and visitor information:  Staff will be located at the adjacent parking areas to inform and educate the public about the Christmas tree cutting program and proper tree harvesting guidelines.  Mobile interpretive events will be offered to engage with the public.  
• The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) authorizes a Special Recreation Permit (SRP) and SRP fee for specialized recreation uses of Federal recreational lands and waters, such as group activities, recreation events, and motorized recreational vehicle use [16 U.S.C. 6802(h)]; as well as specialized recreation activities such as cutting Christmas trees. Special Recreation Permits are issued for Christmas trees to create a traditional holiday experience.