Flathead Forest Christmas Tree Permits Release

(11/24/09)

National Forest Christmas Tree Permits Available

Christmas tree permits from the Flathead National Forest are available for $5 each from Forest Service Offices in Kalispell, Hungry Horse, and Bigfork, and from a variety of vendors across the valley. Each permit is valid for one tree and there is a maximum of three permits per household. Commercial permits are not available.

The forest has an abundant choice of trees from which to choose. Trees may not be cut in campgrounds or other developed areas, plantations, previously thinned stands and areas posted closed to Christmas tree cuttings. The permit must be fastened around the tree trunk prior to transporting your tree from the National Forest.

Please select a tree that is three to four inches in diameter or less at the stump. The stump should be cut as close to the ground as possible, 8” or shorter. Do not cut the top of a tree or leave live limbs attached to the stump. The Christmas tree permit is only for National Forest System lands. There are other privately-owned and industry-owned lands in the Flathead Valley area that may not allow Christmas tree cutting, so please check the ownership of the land before you cut a Christmas tree.

Please drive safely and be alert for winter driving conditions. It is always a good idea to have a map and be aware of your location. For a permit or more information about cutting Christmas trees on the Flathead National Forest, please contact a local Forest Service Office:

                Tally Lake Ranger District/Supervisor’s Office         758-5208
Hungry Horse/Glacier View and Spotted Bear Ranger Districts 387-3800
Swan Lake Ranger District             837-7500

Snappy’s Sport Senter                                 Kalispell
Kelly Rae’s Conoco               Kalispell
Mike’s Conoco                                           Columbia Falls, Hungry Horse and Whitefish
Local Joes Gas & Grub (Conoco)                 Bigfork
Ronan Power Products                  Ronan
Ronan Sports and Western                           Ronan
Swan Ecosystem Center                Condon
Swan Lake Trading Post                              Swan Lake
Swan Valley Centre                                     Condon
Mayert Mercantile                                       Olney
Glacier Center                                             Coram
Bear Track Travel Center               East Glacier

All Flathead National Forest Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 26 in observance of Thanksgiving. Offices will be open on Friday, November 27, 8am to 4:30pm.