Christmas Tree permits are available

By Paul Hall on Thursday, November 18th, 2021 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

EASTERN OREGON – (Information provided by Wallowa-Whitman National Forest)Once again this is the time for many is in search of cutting down the perfect Christmas tree. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is offering Christmas Tree permits for $5.00. The permits can be obtained online or at a local retail outlet.

Christmas Tree Permits can now be purchased at https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/. For a printable brochure please click here.

The Christmas tree program is designed for families, business, and institutions wishing to cut their own Christmas Tree. Commercial cutting permits are not available. The permits do not authorize cutting on private, state, or other federally-managed lands.

Christmas Tree cutting rules to follow

Cut your tree at least 50 feet away from the road

Clean up any trimmings or limbs

Leave stumps no higher than 10 inches. It is not legal to “top” a tree

Remove any green limbs left that remain on the stump

The maximum tree height is 20 feet and stump diameter is 6 inches

Do not cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees

Do not cut on private land, wilderness areas, designated campgrounds, or existing tree plantations

Do not cut trees in the following areas: Baker City Watershed, Anthony Lakes Campground or Ski Area, Starkey Experimental Forest, La Grande Watershed, Hurricane Creek and Lostine drainages

Do not cut trees in posted Old Growth areas or within 1/4 mile of wild and scenic corridors Christmas Tree cutting within sight of a state highway is prohibited

Local outlets that may also sell Christmas Tree Permits

D&B Supply, in Baker City

Halfway Market, in Halfway

Hitching Post Grocery, in Richland

Hometown Hardware, Union

Bi-Mart, Baker City, Hermiston, La Grande, Pendleton

Burnt River Market, in Unity

Dollar Stretcher, in Enterprise

Island City Market and Deli, Island City

O&M Gas & Grocery, in Elgin

The Sports Corral, in Joseph

Wallowa Food City, in Wallow