News Release
TAOS, NM – Nov. 4, 2020 – This year it’s easier than ever to purchase a permit to cut your own Christmas tree on
the Carson National Forest. Online sales through Recreation.gov will begin Monday, Nov. 9, as a safer alternative
to traditional in-person sales at Carson National Forest offices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Online customers can print their permit, place it on the dashboard of their vehicle, and head into the woods.
Christmas tree permits can also be purchased over the phone starting on Nov. 9 by calling any of the Carson
National Forest district offices. Permits purchased by phone will be delivered via postal mail along with guidelines
for harvesting a tree.
The prices for the nonrefundable Christmas tree permits are:
• 10 feet and under – $5 per tree
• 10 feet to 15 feet – $10 per tree
• 16 feet to 20 feet – $15 per tree
Permits purchased online through Recreation.gov will include an additional $2.50 service fee. The Carson National
Forest has a limit of three permits per household.
To purchase a Christmas tree permit online, visit the Carson National Forest Christmas tree permit page on
Recreation.gov. Customers will need a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. The page also
includes need-to-know information about cutting your own tree, maps, and tips for planning your adventure.
As part of the “Every Kid Outdoors” initiative, every fourth grader is eligible for a free holiday tree permit with a
valid Every Kid Outdoors pass, downloadable at www.everykidoutdoors.gov. The student’s unique passcode is
required to receive a free permit. Fourth graders can apply for their free permit through the online system by
selecting the option and entering the code on their pass when prompted. The online Every Kid Outdoors permits
will include the $2.50 service fee.
The cutting period for Christmas trees is Nov. 9 to Dec. 31, 2020. Permit holders should be prepared for
unpredictable weather changes and colder conditions at higher elevations. Forest Service staff may be in the
cutting areas to check permits and answer questions. Permit holders are asked to practice good stewardship.
Carson National Forest Christmas tree permits are valid only on land within forest boundaries. As always, tree
cutting is prohibited within 300 feet of streams, rivers, and paved roads, and in all recreation camp areas and
congressionally designated Wilderness Areas.
Online News Release: https://go.usa.gov/x78Y7
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
News Release
Media Contact: Javonne Goodman
javonne.goodman@usda.gov
Forest Service
Carson National Forest
208 Cruz Alta Road
Taos, NM 87571
(575) 758-6200
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/carson/home
Media Contact: Javonne Goodman
javonne.goodman@usda.gov
