Huron-Manistee National Forest

This permit allows you to cut a Christmas Tree within designated areas of the Huron-Manistee National Forests! Lifelong memories are built during these special times and we are happy to help with any information gathering you'll need to make this trip a safe and enjoyable one. Contact information for your local office can be found in the "Contact Us" section below. Please be sure to read and agree to all the tips and guidelines when selecting your tree. - One permit allows the harvest of one Christmas tree. Up to five permits may be issued per person each season. - Fourth graders with a valid 'Every Kid Outdoors' voucher or pass are entitled to one free Christmas Tree permit. - Permits must be in possession when cutting and transporting tree(s). - Each tree must be tagged prior to transport. - Trees cut under this permit are for personal use and are not to be sold for commercial purposes Do not cut cedar or hemlock trees. All stumps must be cut within 6 inches of the ground. The maximum height of trees allowed for cutting is 20 feet and maximum diameter is 6 inches. Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree. If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height. Do not cut within private land, in wilderness areas, experimental forests, research natural areas, recreation residence tracts, or existing tree plantations. Do not cut within active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees.  Maps of approved cutting areas change each calendar year and are downloadable from this site. Do not cut trees within 100 feet of water bodies, campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads or other developed recreation areas. Do not cut trees within 100 feet of paved roads and 50 feet from dirt roads. Motorized vehicles are only allowed on existing roads and trails authorized for motorized use, as indicated on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). No off-road travel is allowed. Observe seasonal road closures and be prepared to hike to the cutting area to find a tree. Carry your tree carefully out of the woods. Dragging the tree will rub off needles and bark. If the tree is too big to transport inside of your vehicle, wrap it in canvas to prevent wind damage. Once home, cut the bottom of the trunk off and place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket of water. Replenish water. If storing your tree outside for a few days before putting it in the house, keep it in an area protected from the wind, such as the north or east side of your house or under a shaded tree. Tools you might want to consider bringing with you include a measuring tape to ensure you select a tree that fits in your home; handsaw to cut your tree; gloves to protect your hands; boots to protect your feet; a tarp to sit on and/or to move your tree once it's cut; and rope or straps to secure your tree to your vehicle. Choose a tree from a dense forested area, which will give the remaining trees more space to grow. Cut the leftover branches from the stump and scatter them. Before you leave home, be sure to measure the space where you plan to place the tree in your home (height and width), and measure the space in your vehicle where you will be transporting the tree. Cell service may be spotty or unavailable. Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect you back. Check the latest weather conditions, forest warnings and road closures before you leave on your trip. Bring a map with you. Don’t rely on GPS because it may not be up-to-date with forest service roads. Roads may not be plowed. Carry tire chains, shovel(s) and a tow chain. Bring plenty of food and water with you as well as an overnight survival kit in case you become stranded. Be sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow and winds. Bring a spare key and give it to someone else in your party. Don’t get locked out of your car! Park in areas so that traffic can get by safely, and do not block gates. Start your day early. Be sure to find your tree and leave the woods before dark. We don't recommend bringing your pets but, if you do, they must be on a leash.