Before heading out into the woods to harvest a Christmas tree, stop by the Gunflint or Tofte Ranger district office to obtain the proper permit.
Looking for a low cost way to enjoy the outdoors while celebrating the holidays with your family? How about a visit to your local national forest to cut your own Christmas tree or to gather balsam boughs to make your own wreath? Before you go, be sure you obtain the proper permits and following the following rules!
Christmas tree permits: Stop by either the Gunflint or Tofte Ranger district offices to obtain a permit for a Christmas tree. A permit to cut one Christmas tree on the Superior National Forest costs $5.00. Two permits are allowed per household per year.
Balsam boughs permits: To obtain a permit for bough gathering, contact the Forest Service office closest to the area where you plan to collect. A “personal use” permit for gathering balsam boughs on the Superior National Forest allows for enough boughs to make approximately five door-size wreaths and costs $20. If you plan to harvest a large amount of boughs, a commercial permit must be purchased.
Make sure you are on national forest lands and in the right place. Parcels of state, county, tribal and private lands are intermixed with national forest lands within the Superior National Forest boundary. Cutting of Christmas trees and boughs is not allowed inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, plantations, recreation areas, or administrative sites. Visitor maps of the Superior National Forest which show land ownership are available at all Forest offices and also via internet. Permits and maps may be obtained by mail but you must allow time for a check to travel through the mail and materials to be returned.
For more information, visit the Superior National Forest web site: www.fs.usda.gov/superior
Make your tree-cutting outing a safe and enjoyable experience by following these tips: . Arrive early at your cutting area as it may take longer than you think to find that special tree. Bring snacks and water as well. . Check the weather outlook and be ready for changing conditions. . Carry tire chains, shovel, flashlights, and blankets in your vehicle, plus rope to tie down your tree. Many national forest roads are not maintained or snowplowed during the winter, so be sure that your vehicle is equipped for winter travel and has a full tank of gas. . Wear proper winter clothing and carry extras in case you get wet. You might be warm, dry and comfortable when you start, but you may get tired and cold as the day wears on. . Let someone know where you are going and when to expect you back. Check in when you return. . Don’t rely on your cell phone as it may not work in many areas of the forest. . Stay aware of your location. Bring a map, compass or GPS technology and know how to use it. . Watch for other traffic – on foot, on the road, and on the trails.
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