Flathead 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.

This year the forest is only accepting cash payments for the permits.

Each permit is valid for one tree and there is a maximum of two 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 trunk prior to transporting the tree from the forest.

People are asked to select trees that are three to four inches in diameter or less at the stump. The stump should be cut as close to the ground as possible — 8 inches or shorter. Do not cut the top of a tree or leave live limbs attached to the stump.

The Christmas tree permits are only for National Forest 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.

For a permit or more information about vendors and cutting Christmas trees on the Flathead Forest, contact a local Forest Service Office:

v Tally Lake Ranger District/Supervisor’s Office, 758-5204.                   

v Hungry Horse-Glacier View and Spotted Bear Ranger Districts, 387-3800.

v Swan Lake Ranger District, 837-7500.