Sonora, CA…As the holiday season approaches, the Stanislaus National Forest is pleased to announce they are once again offering Christmas Tree permits. Christmas Tree permits will be available Thursday, October 10, through recreation.gov at https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/TP2648

Christmas trees are $20.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $40.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is a $2.50 reservation fee for all permits charged by recreation.gov. Tree cutting dates are Friday November 29, 2024, through Tuesday December 31, 2024. Though the permits will be available October 10, trees are not authorized to be cut until November 29, the day following Thanksgiving.

“We really heard from folks that part of their tradition was using the long Thanksgiving holiday when family was around to get out into the forest, harvest their Christmas tree, and begin the holiday season, so we decided to change things this year so folks could have that memory,” explained Stanislaus National Forest Recreation Officer, Casey Jardine.

Once on Recreation.gov, national forests provide important details, like cutting area maps, types of trees to cut, and other important planning tips on their respective permit pages. In addition, maps, frequently asked questions and other material is also available on the Stanislaus National Forests webpage at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/stanislaus/home/?cid=FSEPRD1209125

Cutting a Christmas Tree improves forest health. The permit system helps to thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Local forest health experts identify areas that benefit from thinning trees and tend to be the perfect size for a Christmas Tree. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide food for wildlife.

In planning your outing, please understand seasonal road closures go into effect on December 16, 2024.  Many higher elevation roads will be closed at that time.  Please visit our forest website at Stanislaus National Forest – Maps & Publications (usda.gov) to find more information regarding our Motor Vehicle Use designations and dates.  Please enjoy a safe winter visit, creating memories and leaving only footprints behind.