One of the many benefits of living in the northland is being able to go out to the forest to cut your own Christmas tree. The ritual of hiking through the woods with your family and choosing your personal tree from among the millions of spruce, fir, and pine can greatly enrich a holiday season. However, there are rules to follow when searching for that perfect tree.
A permit to cut one Christmas tree on Forest Service land must be purchased for $5.00 at any Forest Service office. There is a limit of two permits per family per year.
When choosing your tree, make sure you are on National Forest land, but not within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Maps can be viewed or purchased at Forest Service offices.
Choose cutting areas away from tree plantations, developed recreation or administration sites, and Research Natural Areas. Walk well off the roadside to select your tree.
Select a tree the correct size for your home. Do not cut the top off of a taller tree. The maximum stump height is 12 inches.
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