Christmas tree permits from the Flathead National Forest are available for $5 each from forest service offices in Bigfork, Kalispell, Hungry Horse and from a variety of vendors across the valley.

Payment must be made in cash this year, and permits are valid for one tree. There is a maximum of two permits per household and commercial permits are not available.

The Christmas tree permit is only for National Forest System lands. There are other privately owned and industry-owned lands in the Flathead Valley area that may not allow Christmas tree cutting, so it’s important to check with the landowner before cutting down a tree.

The national forest has an abundant choice of trees to choose from. Trees may not be cut in campgrounds or other developed areas, plantations, previously thinned stands and areas posted closed to Christmas tree cuttings. The permit must be fastened around the tree trunk prior to transporting the tree from the national forest.

Christmas trees should be 3-4 inches in diameter or less at the stump. When cutting a tree, it is important to make the stump as short as possible, eight inches or less. The forest service asks that people do not cut the tops off of trees or leave live limbs attached to the stump.

For a permit or more information about vendors and cutting Christmas trees in the Flathead National Forest, contact a local Forest Service Office:

• Swan Lake Ranger District: 837-7500

• Tally Lake Ranger District/Supervisor’s Office: 758-5204

• Hungry Horse-Glacier View and Spotted Bear Ranger Districts: 387-3800