Create memories and help the forest by bringing home a tree for the holidays

HELENA, Mont. – November 24, 2023 – It is the most wonderful time of the year on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest!  Once again, our Forest Service offices and districts are providing Christmas/holiday tree permits for the season.

"This permit provides communities a fun way to create adventures and family traditions on their local forest," said Forest Supervisor Emily Platt.

Permits can be purchased online or in person at our Forest Service offices located in Helena, Great Falls (including the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center), Lincoln, Townsend, Stanford, Harlowton, Choteau, White Sulphur Springs or Neihart. To purchase online, visit: www.recreation.gov to get started and search for "Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Christmas Tree Permit." Fourth graders, through Every Kid Outdoors, can also obtain a free permit. A permit allows an individual to cut one tree and there is a limit of three permits per household. Permits for the Christmas/holiday trees are $5 per tag.

Permits are good forest-wide except at cabins, campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, wilderness or riparian areas, natural landmarks, active timber sales and areas where trees have been planted for reforestation purposes. 

Checklist before you head out:

Hand saw

Measuring tape

Chains/traction for vehicle

Maps

Extra food/water

Blanket (to wrap the tree in)

Permit(s)

Make sure someone knows where you're going and when you'll be back!

Visit our website at: https://go.usa.gov/x7YSG  or call your local district for more information.