Christmas Tree Permits are now available

By on Wednesday, November 24th, 2021 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

BAKER CITY – (Release from Wallowa Whitman National Forest) Happy holidays to all! There are many ways to celebrate the season, and one of them is venturing into the National Forest to find the perfect tree. It’s an affordable experience that offers priceless memories: footprints in the snow, the scent of fresh-cut fir, warm drinks, frosty breath, rosy cheeks, and smiling faces.

“If you are on the hunt for the perfect tree, you are welcome to harvest one from the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest,” said Shaun McKinney, Forest Supervisor. “You’ll have a memorable adventure and a story to share with family and friends. Fortunately, it is now easier than ever to get a tree permit at Recreation.gov or from one of our local vendor partners. To conserve forest ecosystems and scenery, we ask for your help by following the rules in the 2021 Christmas Tree brochure. Have fun, be safe, and happy holidays!”

Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. Permits are available for $5.

If you would like to support a local business with your permit purchase this year, visit one of the many local vendors in your area listed below:

Bi Mart in Baker City, OR, (541) 523-0680

D&B Supply, Baker City, OR, (541) 523-6442

York’s, Baker City, OR, 541-523-2577

The Gold Post, Sumpter, OR, (541) 894-2362

Burnt River Market, Unity, OR, (541) 446-3660

Hitchin’ Post Grocery, Richland, OR, (541) 893-6175

Halfway Market, Halfway, OR, (541) 742-6174

Wallowa Food City, Wallowa, OR, (541) 886-3691

Dollar Stretcher, Enterprise, OR, (541) 426-5833

Sports Corral, Joseph, OR, (541) 432-4363

Miller’s Home Center, La Grande, OR, (541) 963-3113

Bi Mart in La Grande, OR, (541) 963-2166

Hometown Hardware, Union, OR, (541) 562-5472

Island City Market & Deli, Island City, OR, (541) 963-7140

Did you know cutting a holiday tree can also help to improve forest health? By following the rules for locating and harvesting your tree, you will be participating in forest thinning by removing a small-diameter tree. In most parts of the forest, removing small trees reduces the risk of wildfire, helps other trees to grow larger and more fire-resistant, and creates open areas that provide forage for wildlife. So don’t feel bad when you cut that little tree. You are supporting a healthy forest.

For more information, please contact your nearest National Forest office:                          

  • Whitman RD-Baker Office, Baker City, OR, (541) 523-6391
  • La Grande District, La Grande, OR, (541) 963-7186
  • Wallowa Mountains Office, Joseph, OR, (541) 426-5546 (vending machine for after-hours purchases)

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, Clarkston, WA, (509) 758-0616

Elkhorn Media Group