Christmas Tree Permits 

Holiday Events in Plumas County 

Winter Sports & Activities 2012

Christmas tree cutting permits (personal use) go on sale for the Plumas and Lassen National Forests on November 1.  Permits may be used only in the forest for which they were purchased. A map of the tree cutting areas and regulations are included with the permit. 

With a $10 permit, Christmas trees may be cut until December 24, 2011. Tree cutters are asked to take extra care to cut in the areas noted and to remember to attach the permit to their tree before leaving the cutting area, to avoid penalties.

Make your family outing to Plumas County even more memorable by including some local holiday traditions such as a ride in a horse drawn wagon or  participating in a tree lighting ceremony complete with food, song, and merriment.  Warning: You may have to include an extra day to take in all the festive shopping opportunities! 

Click or call the Plumas County Visitors Bureau (800) 326-2247 for information about lodging, dining, and local events in your favorite part of the county.

Listed below are businesses and offices where Christmas tree permits may be purchased.  

To mail for a permit, please write to one of these offices:

To mail for a permit, please include a self-addressed, stamped (64 cents business-sized envelope) or ($1.28 for a 9 1/2 x 12"envelope) to: Plumas National Forest or Almanor Ranger District. Make Checks or money orders (with driver's license number written upon it) (no cash accepted for mail permits) should be made payable to: USDA Forest Service. Those who are at least 18 years old may purchase a permit; they are non-refundable and no more than two permits will be mailed to one address or household.  Mail requests should be received by December 1st.  Mail requests received after December 1st will be returned as the Forest Service will not guarantee that permits will reach their destination prior to December 24th.  Permits may also be purchased directly from local Forest Service offices or participating community business be at least 18 years old to purchase a permit; they are non-refundable and no more than two permits will be mailed to one address or household. 

When purchasing by mail, include the following:  printed name and address to which the permit(s) are to be mailed; daytime telephone and a check or money order for $10 per tree made out to "USDA Forest Service."  Also provide the name of the person who will be signing the permit and cutting the tree.  Be sure a drivers license number is on the check.  Allow at least one week for processing of the request.  Checks with incorrect amounts will be returned to the sender.

To expedite your request, please write "Christmas Tree Permit" on the envelope.

Tree-cutting tips:

Tree cutters are reminded to be prepared for  unpredictable weather changes and colder conditions in higher elevations.  A fun family outing can become miserable and even dangerous with a quick change of weather for the unprepared.  Please plan to cut your tree as soon as possible before the higher elevations are snowbound.  Dress appropriately in warm clothing, shoes or boots, take along water and snacks and be prepared for possible ice and snow on the roads (carry tire chains).

To help keep your tree nice and fresh, cut two inches from the bottom of the tree when you get home and place it in water. Keep your tree watered and in a shady spot until you are ready for it in the house. 

Bring an old tarp to wrap your tree in - then when you drag your tree out of the forest, the tarp protects the tree and helps you avoid breaking branches. The tarp can also help avoid wind damage on the way home.

When driving home, make sure the tree permit tag is visible. The permit needs to be attached to the tree and sealed so that the permit must be cut or the seal broken to be removed. If you plan to transport more than five trees in the same vehicle, a Transportation Permit is required from the Sheriff's office.