Enjoying the fresh air while hiking the forest, in search of the perfect Christmas tree, can be a wonderful way to begin the holiday season. Create special memories by bringing your family to the Shawnee National Forest to cut your own Christmas tree. Beginning November 18th the Shawnee National Forest will offer the public, for the first time, the opportunity to purchase a Christmas Tree Permit.
Christmas Tree Permits cost only $5.00 and one permit is allowed per household. The permit allows for one pine tree (except bald cypress) to be cut and taken home. Permittees must harvest the Christmas tree on national forest land and chainsaws may be used for cutting the tree. Permittees must also follow Shawnee Natl. Forest motor vehicle restrictions in removal and hauling of their Christmas tree. Trees cannot be cut from any restricted areas listed on the permit.
All permit conditions are reviewed when purchasing the permit from the Forest Service. Permits can be purchased at any of the three Forest offices, located in Harrisburg, Vienna, and Jonesboro. Hours of operation can be found at www.usda.gov/shawnee. For more information and the full list of permit conditions, contact any Forest office or go online to www.fs.usda.gov/main/shawnee/passes-permits/forestproducts.
