Yep, you can go in the foirest and cut your own Christmas tree for 10 bucks. There ARE some rules; like you need a permit, and it is a national forest, so you can't use a chain saw, and you need to take care not to damage the place, but here are the rules:
The Mt. Hood National Forest will begin selling personal use holiday tree cutting permits at our ranger district offices'visitor centers as well as at many other local vendors at the beginning of November. There is now a centralized place online to buy a Christmas tree permit in a national forest in any state that has a forest that allows it; see this page on Recreation.gov.
When purchasing your permit you will receive an informational sheet with great information on rules of cutting holiday trees from the national forest. .
For additional information you may also visit the Mt. Hood Special Forest Products webpage.
There must be another tree of similar size free to grow within 8 feet of the one you cut.
Each permit allows you to cut one tree up to 12 feet in height with a stump height no greater than6 inches.
Cutting the top of a standing tree is prohibited.
No cutting or removing trees within:
No cutting along the following roads:
The Mt. Hood National Forest currently offers Free Use Bough Permits (available at no charge) for up to 25 pounds of boughs, and Commercial Bough Permits for larger quantities. Permits for boughs are not available at local vendors. Bough permits are only available at Mt. Hood National Forest district offices. You must have a permit to harvest boughs.
As a part of the "Every Kid" program, all fourth-graders can receive a holiday tree permit for free this season! They must have their Every Kid pass or voucher with them in order to receive their free holiday tree permit, and they must be accompanied by their parent or guardian. These special holiday tree permits can only be obtained at our official ranger district offices. For more information on the "Every Kid" program, please visit www.everykidinapark.gov .
Here's where to get the tree-cutting permit.
(Call for December weekend/holiday hours and information)
Winter weather in the forest can change rapidly. Forest Service roads are not maintained for winter travel. Please carry traction devices and be advised of winter road closures and snow park permit requirements. The Forest Service recommends you start early in the day and be out of the forest before dark. Keep your family and your own safety in mind as you head out to look for a holiday tree. Dress warmly and carry a forest map, snacks, and water. Do not rely solely on your GPS as some information may not be accurate or up-to-date. Also make sure friends or family know where you are going and when you plan to return. Plus, don't forget a tool to cut your tree and rope or cord to secure it to your vehicle.
Forest health is important, by removing these smaller trees you are contributing to the overall well being of the forest and reducing fire danger.
Persons cutting or removing trees from the National Forest without a valid permit are subject to a fine of up to $5000 and/or 6 months imprisonment!
Free Holiday Boughs are also available with a permit form your local Ranger Sation. If you would like more than 25 pounds of boughs a permit is available for purchase at your local District Ranger office. Personal use bough harvest must adhere to the following restictions
Please call our District Office at 719-636-1602 for more info.
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