Malheur National Forest explains Christmas tree permit process
By Logan Bagett on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY – As we approach the holiday season, some Grant County locals are beginning to think about getting their Christmas trees. Public Affairs Officer Amy Franklin was on KJDY’s Coffee Time, and mentioned that you will need a permit if you plan on cutting one on the Malheur National Forest:
“We have three offices, so you can go to Hines at the Emigrant Creek Ranger District; Prairie City at the Prairie Ranger District; and then down at the Supervisor’s Office. You can pick up the tags in person, or there’s another option. You can go to recreation.gov and select Malheur and you can purchase a permit that way, but that has associated fees.”
The permits are $5.00 each with a maximum of 5 per household, and like Amy mentioned, there are additional fees to get them online. Also, 4th graders are eligible for a free Christmas Tree Permit at everykidoutdoors.gov.
Find the Malheur National Forest’s Press Release on Christmas Tree Permits below.
Listen to the full podcast with Amy Franklin and Timber Resource Specialist Shawna Clark here:
(Press Release from the Malheur National Forest)
Christmas tree permits are available to purchase through any Malheur National Forest office or online at Recreation.gov.
“Venturing into a local national forest to find that special tree is an experience that creates treasured family memories and stories,” said USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. “It is through these experiences that people establish important connections to the forest that can lead to a lifetime of adventures and instill a commitment to stewardship.”
To purchase a Christmas tree permit, visit one of the Malheur National Forest offices:
Blue Mountain Ranger District / Supervisors Office
431 Patterson Bridge Rd
John Day, OR 97845
Emigrant Creek Ranger District
265 Hwy 20 South
Hines, OR 97738
Prairie City Ranger District
327 SW Front Street
Prairie City, OR 97869
Or visit Recreation.gov and search for Malheur National Forest Christmas Tree Permits. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or log in to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.
Fourth graders with Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit by presenting their pass at one of our offices or by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit online (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied online). Kids of all ages can download, color, and decorate their tree with a Christmas tree ornament coloring page for a fun, handmade addition to their tree, available at recreation.gov.
