Jackson, WY – The U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management have announced that Christmas tree cutting permits are now available for the Bridger‑Teton National Forest, the Caribou‑Targhee National Forest, and BLM land in the Pinedale district. Permits can be purchased online and are valid through December 31.
How to obtain a permit
Permits for the national forests cost $15 each, while BLM permits are $10. Each permit allows the holder to cut one tree, with a maximum of five permits per family. A valid permit must be carried on the tree‑hunter at all times.
Tree specifications and restrictions
Eligible trees may be up to 20 feet tall, with a stump height no greater than eight inches. The entire tree must be removed; “topping” is prohibited. Cutting or removal of forest products is not allowed in campgrounds, summer home sites, guard stations, ski areas, Cache Creek Canyon, Trail Creek area, the Snake River Canyon, designated Wilderness or Wilderness Study Areas, elk feedgrounds, or within any national park.
Environmental considerations
The Bridger‑Teton National Forest notes that many aspen stands are being replaced by conifers. To slow this shift, the Forest Service encourages the removal of conifers in aspen stands, helping preserve the historic aspen ecosystem.
Planning your outing
Anyone heading into the forests should plan for changing temperatures and weather conditions. Detailed maps and specific regulations for each forest are available online through the Forest Service and BLM websites.
Historical note
In 2010, the Capitol Christmas Tree was sourced from the Bridger‑Teton National Forest. The tree was a 67‑foot Engelmann Spruce, estimated to be 83 years old, harvested from the Pacific Creek area.
Where to find BLM permits
Outside of Jackson Hole, the BLM’s Pinedale Field Office offers permits for its district. Interested harvesters can view the map of BLM land open for cutting and review the full set of rules and regulations online.
These permits provide a family‑friendly way for residents to bring home a fresh, locally sourced Christmas tree while supporting responsible forest management.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
