Shoshone National Forest has opened up availability for Christmas tree permits.
Kristie Salzmann, forest spokesperson noted that the affordability and family fun that the activity provides is what makes it such a noteworthy Christmas time activity.
“It’s a great opportunity to get out in the national forest, really enjoy your public lands, and it’s only $8,” she said.
Acquiring a permit can either be done online or in person. The details of the types of trees offered along with the designated cutting areas and dates can be found at their website.
Salzmann also noted that the difficulty of getting the trees back to your vehicle actually isn’t much at all.
“Myself, I often go up the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, before you get to Dead Indian Pass, there are many nice places to snag some trees,” she said. “People get them along the Wood River, North Fork highway as well. A lot of people make it into a full-day family outing.”
A single permit gives permission to an individual or family to chop one tree up to 20-feet tall. Two permits would grant the ability for that person to cut a taller tree.
Salzmann said that, “It’s important to remember, there’s no cutting trees in wilderness areas or any marked timber sales… Stay at least 300 feet from developed recreation areas, trailheads, summer homes.”
To make it easier on consumers, the Forest Service made permits available online at recreation.gov. These online purchases will aid the offices who are not allowing in-person sales due to the pandemic.
Once you’ve reached recreation.gov, search for Shoshone National Forest Christmas Tree Permits. A login will need to be created in order to complete the purchase.
The Shoshone National Forest office in Cody will be open and will be taking appointments for permit purchases. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8-4:30.
Some of the available stores here are:
- Good 2 Go Stores 2, 3, and 4, Cody
- The Red Barn, North Fork Highway
- One Stop Motorsports, Powell
- Good 2 Go Store 5, Ralston
- Wea Market, Meeteetse
