Southwest Oregon – For many families, venturing onto public lands to find the perfect Christmas tree is an annual holiday tradition. The process of obtaining permits differs a bit by agency, but families will be able to cut Christmas trees on Forest Service or BLM lands using a permit from either agency.
There are a number of options by which the public can obtain permits as described below:
- Forest Service issued Christmas tree permits are now available for purchase online through recreation.gov To purchase a permit, visit Recreation.gov and search for Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Christmas Tree Permits. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.
- Beginning November 15, 2021, BLM issued holiday tree permits will be available for purchase online at forestproducts.blm.gov
- For those wishing to purchase their permit from a local business, vendors across southwest Oregon will begin selling Christmas tree permits starting Nov. 9, 2021, with the current vendor list available on the Rogue River – Siskiyou National Forest website at https://go.usa.gov/xeDWb Please call the vendor to ensure passes are available.
- Per the Every Kid Outdoorsinitiative 4th Graders are entitled to one FREE Christmas tree permit with a valid Every Kid Outdoors pass. https://everykidoutdoors.gov
- BLM issued permits are also available for purchase in person at the Medford Interagency Office, the Grants Pass Interagency Office, and the North Bend Office. The public is asked to call their local office prior to visiting in person, as hours and availability may be limited. The permits may only be used to cut a tree on lands open to Christmas tree harvesting that are managed by the Rogue River – Siskiyou National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management Medford and Coos Bay Districts. Free printable maps that identify these areas are provided at the time of purchase online or in person. Digital maps equipped with geolocation information are available for download on the Avenza map application and on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest website at https://go.usa.gov/xeDWs where additional information, including tips, guidelines, restrictions and safety considerations for harvesting Christmas trees is available.
Permits for Christmas trees are $5 per tree and are non-refundable. Each permit allows the cutting of one personal-use Christmas tree, and a permit is required for each individual tree. There is a limit of five trees per household.
Cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health. The permit system helps to thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. You can help out by cutting a tree that is within 12 feet of another tree. Local forest health experts identify areas that benefit from thinning trees that tend to be the perfect size for Christmas trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide forage for wildlife.
Wishing you happy holidays from the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management Medford and Coos Bay Districts!
For additional information, please contact the Medford Interagency Office at (541) 618-2200 or the Coos Bay District at (541) 756-0100.
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