The Flathead National Forest is one of several National Forests that offers permits to cut down Christmas trees through the Open Forest system — an online pilot program that has proven popular among locals in the last two years.

In 2018, Flathead National Forest was one of four in the nation to participate in the first year of the program that offers those looking to track down their own Christmas tree in designated forests, the option to get a permit online as opposed to trekking to an office location.

The U.S. Forest Service had intended 2018 to be the only year for the pilot program at the time, but decided to expand the service this year to include nine other forests across Washington, Wyoming, Colorado and Oregon. According to the Forest Service website, Flathead is the only forest in Montana participating in the ongoing pilot program.

The $5 permits are up for grabs from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31 annually and allow for three trees to be harvested per household. According to Lauren Alley, public affairs officer for Flathead National Forest, about 1,000 permits have been purchased online through Open Forest so far this year. In addition, 315 permits have been purchased in person at office locations across the valley in Kalispell, Bigfork and Hungry Horse.

Last year, Flathead National Forest sold permits for 1,460 trees through the online Open Forest program for the entire season and 994 at local offices. Alley said the final tally for permits sold in 2019 should be on par with those sold in 2018 by the end of the season.

“Needless to say, the online service seems to be popular and convenient,” Alley said.

In a recent press release, Flathead National Forest Supervisor Chip Weber said the permits are a nice opportunity for families to enjoy an outing in the forest.

“Finding the perfect Christmas tree is an important tradition for many, and the forest is an ideal place to spend a day in the words and make holiday memories,” Weber said in a prepared statement.

Alley added the Forest Service’s Every Kid Outdoors program has not seen the success officials had hoped for this year or in past years. The program offers free permits to every fourth grade student, but so far this year, the forest service has only issued six permits.

“If you have a fourth grader in the valley, consider exploring the Every Kid Outdoors website, coming in for your free Christmas tree permit, and getting out into the woods for a winter adventure with your family,” Alley said.

For more information on the permitting system and rules and guidelines on where and how to cut down your own Christmas tree, go to www.openforest.fs.gov/christmas-trees/forests

Reporter Kianna Gardner can be reached at 758-4407 or kgardner@dailyinterlake.com