Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests

This permit allows you to cut up to two Christmas Trees within designated areas of the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont or the Finger Lakes National Forest in New York! 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.  Permits cost $5.00 per tree (a $2.50 Recreation.gov reservation fee will be applied). Maps are available to download below. There are maps for each ranger district that are georeferenced for use with mapping apps, such as Avenza . If you know the general area you are planning to visit, we recommend you select that area map to download or print. Fourth Graders with Every Kid Outdoors Passes Are Eligible for a Free Holiday Tree Permit Every Kid Outdoors pass 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 by checking the box indicating you have a pass and entering the pass or voucher number (a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).  Check out the Recreation.gov website for more information!  Please be sure to read and agree to all the tips and guidelines when selecting your tree.  Please review the cutting area map to understand areas where you may not cut. Check out our USFS webpage for more information! The Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests have limitations on the size of the tree you may cut. See below to help you measure and choose a tree that meets your permit's guidelines. 2 permits allowed per household per year. Tree height: 20 feet maximum. Stump height after tree cutting: 6 inches maximum. 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. Permit is not valid in: Congressionally-designated wilderness areas; active timber sale areas; and developed recreation sites including campgrounds, picnic areas, and day use sites. Please see map. Permittee shall remove all trash and litter resulting from the permittee’s activities. This includes removing all woody debris from road surfaces, ditches, and culvert openings where harvesting activities took place. Do not cut on private land. Trees obtained under the Christmas tree permit may not be resold. Trees must be harvested by cutting. Transplanting of trees is not permitted with the Christmas Tree Permit. 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, local 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. Be sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. 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. Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow and winds. Start your day early. Be sure to find your tree and leave the woods before dark.