Bridger-Teton National Forest

This permit allows you to cut a Christmas Tree within designated areas of the Bridger-Teton National Forest! 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.  Attention all 4th graders! You are eligible for a free National Park Pass and Christmas Tree! Visit Every Kid Outdoors for more information or call your local Forest Service office. Present your pass or voucher to receive a permit and tag for one free Christmas tree or check the box "I have a fourth grade every kid outdoor pass" when purchasing online.  Please be sure to read and agree to all the guidelines when selecting your tree. It is your responsibility to be aware of the allowable locations to cut your tree. If you are unsure, please feel free to call our offices. We are here to help! Each Forest has limitations on the size of the tree you can cut and the species of trees that are permitted. See below to help you measure and choose a tree that meets your permit's guidelines. Tree Height: 20 feet maximum Stump height: 8 inches maximum Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree Many aspen stands are being replaced by conifers. To slow this process, conifer removal in aspen stands is encouraged. Conifer trees removed from aspen stands may be topped (no height restrictions). Topped tree stump height must be 8 inches or less. 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 on private land or on other federal or state lands. Do not cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees. Look for signs. Cutting or removal of forest products is prohibited within campgrounds, summer home sites, administrative sites (guard stations), ski areas, Cache Creek Canyon and Trail Creek area, the Snake River Canyon, designated Wilderness or Wilderness Study Areas, and elk feed grounds. Please follow current travel restrictions for the Bridger-Teton National Forest as shown on Forest Maps. These maps are available at each District Office or at our website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/btnf/maps-pubs). Check winter travel restrictions for permitted snowmobile use. Carry your tree carefully out of the woods. Dragging the tree will rub off needles and bark. Cut the leftover branches from the stump and scatter them in the Forest. 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. 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. You must print and bring your Christmas Tree Permit with you. Place in the windshield of your car while transporting your 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. Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow and winds. Roads may not be plowed. Carry tire chains, shovel(s) and a tow strap. Bring a spare key and give it to someone else in your party. Don’t get locked out of your car! Bring plenty of food and water with you as well as an overnight survival kit in case you become stranded. 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. Be sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. If your tree extends over 4' behind your vehicle/trailer, you need a 12"x12" blaze orange flag attached to the end of the 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.