Gathering your own Christmas tree or balsam boughs on the national forest is a great way to get outdoors with your family and celebrate the holidays. For many people this is an annual tradition. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to make this part of your holiday tradition:
Where can I get a Christmas tree permit? Stop by any of our Forest Service offices to obtain a permit for a Christmas tree. A permit to cut one Christmas tree on the Superior National Forest costs $5. Two permits are allowed per household per year.
What about balsam bough 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.
How can I be sure I am 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 for $10 at all Forest Service offices and also via Internet.
Can I use my ATV? Offhighway vehicles (OHVs), including ATVs and dirt bikes, are allowed only on designated trails and specific roadways. Motor vehicle use maps are available at Forest Service offices and are posted on the website. Snowmobiles may be used on designated trails and cross-country in most areas or on unplowed roads with a four-inch minimum snow cover. Check with the Forest Service office issuing your permit about any restrictions in the area you plan to visit.
For more information, visit the Superior National Forest web site: www.fs.usda.gov/superior.
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