You can cut your own Christmas tree, but know before you go

Tree-cutting maps and other important details to make your tree cutting experience go smoothly. Photo: Photo by Taylor Friehl

UTAH — As the holiday season approaches, many families choose to make their Christmas tree hunt a little more adventurous. Instead of selecting a pre-cut tree from a local lot, they are heading into national forests to cut down their own. This tradition offers a memorable holiday experience and helps maintain a healthy forest ecosystem.

However, these mountain outings can bring unexpected challenges, so staying prepared for the winter conditions is crucial. Remember to stick to designated roads and trails for safety. Additionally, be cautious of slick, snow-packed roads when accessing cutting areas.

When cutting a tree, it’s important to ensure that the stump is no higher than six inches and to avoid tree topping, which is prohibited. It’s also essential to follow the guidelines: avoid cutting within a 200-foot radius of delicate riparian areas like lakes and streams. This includes roads, campgrounds, picnic areas, administrative sites, summer home areas, and designated closed areas, as shown on the tree-cutting maps.

ASHLEY NATIONAL FOREST: (435) 789-1181 – https://www.fs.usda.gov/ashley

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 8 a.m. Christmas tree permits will be available to purchase online at https://www.recreation.gov/…/07c8086f-ebc9-11ea-b83f…

FISHLAKE NATIONAL FOREST: (435) 896-9233 – https://www.fs.usda.gov/fishlake

Christmas tree permits are available to purchase online through:

https://www.recreation.gov/…/f2af86c8-ebca-11ea-b83f…

DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST: (435) 865-3700 – https://www.fs.usda/dixie

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 8 a.m. Christmas tree permits will be available to purchase online through: https://www.recreation.gov/…/92cbeceb-ebc7-11ea-98dd…

MANTI-LASAL NATIONAL FOREST: (435) 636-3500 – http://www.fs.usda.gov/mantilasal

Christmas tree permits are available to purchase online through:

https://www.recreation.gov/…/59206b93-ebc7-11ea-895c…

UINTA-WASATCH-CACHE NATIONAL FORESTS: (801) 999-2103 https://www.fs.usda.gov/uwcnf Beginning Thursday, Nov. 9, at 8 a.m. Christmas tree permits will be available to purchase online through https://www.recreation.gov/…/96b02cd4-ebc6-11ea-895c…

Additional information for the Heber-Kamas District:

Heber-Kamas Ranger District: (435) 783-4338 – Permits for the Heber-Kamas area are available at both offices.

Permits are $20 and allow one tree per person. Starting Thursday, Nov. 9 at 8 a.m., permits will be available online at https://www.recreation.gov/…/96b02cd4-ebc6-11ea-895c… (A $2.50 fee will be added to online sales)

Forest Service offices are closed Friday, Nov. 10 for the Veteran’s Day holiday. Permits will be available at the following locations:

• Kamas office, 50 East Center Street, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• The Heber office is open through Nov. 9 and then each week after on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Mountainland One Stop (Heber), 1175 South Main (435) 654-5530
• Mirror Lake Service Chevron (Kamas), 2 North Main Street (435) 783-4375

Please note that species of trees that can be cut include sub-alpine fir, white fir, and lodgepole pine. Trees 20 feet tall or shorter may be cut and removed.

Information courtesy of U.S. Forest Service Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest