Forest Service now offers option to purchase Christmas tree permit on-line

CAMPTON — White Mountain National Forest officials are announcing that the public can select and cut a Christmas tree on the White Mountain NF with the purchase of a $5.00 permit. For the first time, permits will now be available for purchase either on-line (an additional $2.50 service fee applies) or in-person at a WMNF office. In support of the Every Kid Outdoors initiative, this year the Forest Service will provide all fourth and fifth grade students with a free Christmas tree voucher by registering here: https://everykidoutdoors.gov. Fourth and fifth graders who register must present a printed voucher to redeem an Every Kid Outdoors Pass and a Christmas tree permit.

Permits can be purchased either online or in-person at a WMNF office.

Permits can be purchased in-person at the three district offices: Saco Ranger District in Conway is open daily for permit sales, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, contact the Pemigewasset or Androscoggin offices prior to your visit to schedule an appointment.

Only 1 permit issued per household per year. Trees are for personal use only, not for resale. Each family may cut one tree per permit per year.

• Use only hand tools to cut Christmas trees. Chainsaws are not permitted.

• Make sure you are on National Forest land. Respect the rights of landowners when crossing private property.

• Do not cut trees within 100 feet of: campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads or developed recreation areas, experimental forests, designated wilderness areas, water bodies, active timber sales.

• Do not cut trees within 100 feet of paved roads and 50 feet from dirt roads.

• When you purchase the permit ask if there are any known "off limit" areas.

• Do not cut trees larger than 6 inches in diameter at chest height. Pack down limb piles low enough so they are within 2 feet of the ground.

• Cut your tree so remaining stumps will be less than 10" in height.

 • Be prepared for winter — dress appropriately in warm clothing and make your day a safe one.