New for the 2020 holiday season, many forests across the country will make their holiday tree permits available to purchase online through Recreation.gov.
The Forest Service decided to move permit sales to Recreation.gov as an added convenience for visitors, as well as to provide an alternative to in-person transactions at offices that may remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To purchase a Christmas Tree permit, visitors can search for their local forest and Christmas Tree Permits. It is also important to know that you will need to set up a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.
Christmas tree permits now available through Recreation.gov
Every Kid Outdoors Passes/Vouchers Grant Students a Free Holiday Tree Permit
All fourth graders, or age equivalent, are eligible to receive an Every Kid Outdoors pass, which is good at 2,000-plus federally managed lands and water sites across the country between Sept. 1, 2020 and Aug. 30, 2021. Instructions on how fourth graders can obtain an Every Kid Outdoors pass or voucher is available at www.everykidoutdoors.gov. New for the 2020/21 school year, 5th grade students may also apply for an Every Kid Outdoors voucher since many sites were closed in the 2019/20 school year and families were not able to take full advantage of the pass.
Every Kid Outdoors pass/voucher holders are also eligible for a free holiday tree permit through their local National Forest. To obtain a free holiday tree permit, visit Recreation.gov to apply using the Every Kid Outdoors pass/voucher by checking the box indicating you have a pass and entering the pass or voucher number (a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).
This kid has found the perfect tree for him (US Forest Service)
Here are seven tips as you prepare for your Christmas Tree cutting adventure to your local forest:
Above all, we hope you have a wonderful experience and create memories that help you Bring Home a Story from your National Forest.