Mendocino National Forest is keeping holiday traditions alive by offering Christmas tree permits for personal use, available online at Recreation.gov and at select in-person locations. The permits, priced at $10 per tree with a $2.50 online transaction fee, went on sale Nov. 4 and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tree cutting within the forest provides a festive outdoor experience while promoting sustainable forest management. Each household may purchase one permit in person or up to three online. Permit holders must print their permit and display it on their vehicle dashboard while cutting their tree. Detailed maps of designated cutting areas are also available for download from Recreation.gov.
In-person permits include a colored tag for tree transport and are available at forest offices and vendors in Upper Lake, Covelo, Willows, and beyond. Fourth graders with an “Every Kid in a Park” voucher or pass can receive one free tree tag.
To ensure safety and forest preservation, officials remind visitors to follow cutting guidelines and prepare for changing weather conditions. Federal quarantines to prevent the spread of Sudden Oak Death restrict the transport of trees cut in Mendocino and Lake counties to specific regions.
For more information, visit Recreation.gov or contact the Mendocino National Forest Supervisor’s Office at (530) 934-3316.
I wanted to do this this year but my wife said no way.