PENDLETON, Ore.-Searching for that perfect Christmas tree and cutting it down yourself is a fun holiday tradition for many, and tree permits for the Umatilla National Forest are now available.
Permits cost $5 each and may be purchased at several local businesses or online. If purchased online, an extra $2.50 will be charged, and permits must be printed to be valid.
Christmas tree permits may be used on National Forest System lands and do not authorize the cutting of trees on private property or state-managed land.
The permit cutting system helps thin areas of small-diameter trees, that tend to be good Christmas tree size, according to the U.S. Forest Service. When small-diameter trees are removed in designated areas, other trees can grow larger, and wildlife forage areas can be opened.
Anyone heading into the woods for their Christmas tree should be aware of the weather conditions, dress warmly, and pack extra dry clothes, as well as an emergency kit containing food and water.
Christmas tree cutting permit retailers in Northeast Oregon
- Hermiston: Ace Hardware
- Hermiston: Smitty’s Outpost
- Boardman: Ace Hardware
- Athena: Athena Convenience Store
- Pendleton: Bi-Mart
- Dale: Dale Store
- Elgin: Elgin Food Town
- Heppner: Heppner Mobil
- Pilot Rock: J&D’s Food Mart
- Ukiah: Rhode’s Supply
- Tollgate: Tollgate Crossing Store
- Milton-Freewater: Zip Zone 2
