Christmas tree permits are now available for purchase from the Siuslaw National Forest and will be offered through Dec. 31, officials announced.
Christmas tree permits are $5 with an additional $2.50 fee per transaction when purchased online.
To purchase a permit, go online to recreation.gov. For those who wish to purchase a permit in person, officials advise to call the Corvallis office in advance (541-750-7000) to make sure staff is available. The office, located at 3200 SW Jefferson Way, is open 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
Cutting trees in some areas of the Siuslaw is prohibited. Tree hunters are asked to check maps provided with permits prior to selecting their tree. Visit the Siuslaw Christmas Tree Permit webpage for more details.
Fourth graders with Every Kid Outdoors passes are eligible for one free Christmas tree permit. Students and their guardians can visit an office in person or apply for the permit online. Enter a voucher or pass number when prompted on recreation.gov (a $2.50 registration fee will be applied for the transaction).
For more information about the Every Kid Outdoor pass — which also provides students and their families free admittance into selected national forest recreation sites, national parks and other federal public lands — visit everykidoutdoors.gov.
Siuslaw National Forest offers the following Christmas tree guidance and safety tips:
- Determine which national forest you want to visit and check maps for potential locations.
- Purchase a permit at recreation.gov, a national forest office or an official vendor.
- Check the weather forecast and road conditions before traveling.
- Start tree hunting early in the day to have plenty of daylight hours.
- Remember to tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
- Bring emergency supplies; include a rope and tarp to move your tree to your vehicle.
- Bring a map and compass as cell service may be limited.
- The tree you choose must be at least 200 feet from main roads, recreation sites and campgrounds. Stay away from areas alongside streams, rivers and lakes.