Here’s when you can snag a Christmas tree permit at a Northern California national forest
The holiday season is upon us, and federal forest agencies have started announcing the sales of Christmas tree permits for national forests in California.
Here’s a roundup of Northern California forests and when they will be releasing their Christmas tree permits for the 2023 holiday season.
Purchasing tree permits at Lake Tahoe Basin
Tickets at Lake Tahoe Basin are only sold in person, and sales will start Nov. 6, according to a news release from the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
Tickets will be sold at the forest supervisor’s office located at 35 College Drive in South Lake Tahoe. It will be open from 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Permits will be limited to one per household and will be $10 each. Make sure to bring cash, as cards will not be accepted for purchases.
The cutting season at Lake Tahoe Basin will start Nov. 6 and end Dec. 31.
Purchasing tree permits at a California national forest
Each national forest is releasing tree permits at different dates through the recreation.gov website. A Christmas tree permit is $10 and also includes a $2.50 service fee on the website.
It’s important to note that when purchasing a tree permit from a national forest, one should review specifications on its tree selection process. Each forest has its own limitations regarding tree height and size.
▪ When will permits be available? Online permits will be available Nov. 3 through recreation.gov.
▪ Will permits be sold in person? Yes. Permits will also be sold in person at eight different locations in the area, like ranger stations and grocery stores. Exact addresses locations can be found on the forest website.
▪ What are the season dates? Not yet disclosed.
▪ How many trees can I cut with my permit? One permit is allowed per household and gives you the opportunity to cut up to three trees.
▪ Will permits be sold in person? Yes. If you can’t snag a ticket online, you will still get a chance to get your hands on a permit in person. Walk-in permits will be available 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Placerville and Amador ranger district offices only.
▪ What are the season dates? Permits are valid from Nov. 4 to Dec. 31.
▪ How many trees can I cut with my permit? One permit is allowed per household and allows for one tree.
▪ When will permits be available? Online permits are available now.
▪ Will permits be sold in person? No.
▪ What are the season dates? Permits are valid from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31.
▪ How many trees can I cut with my permit? One permit allows for two trees to be cut.
▪ When will permits be available? Online permits will start Nov. 9
▪ Will permits be sold in person? No
▪ What are the season dates? Permits are valid from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31.
▪ How many trees can I cut with my permit? One permit allows for two trees to be cut.
Other Northern California national forests
Below are other forests in Northern California that are also selling Christmas tree permits through the state website.
▪ Klamath National Forest
▪ Six Rivers National Forest
▪ Modoc National Forest
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