JACKSON, Wyo. — Christmas tree permits are available for Bridger-Teton and Caribou-Targhee national forests through Dec. 31.
Permits can be purchased online. Christmas tree permits are $15. Each permit allows one tree to be cut, with a limit of five permits per family. A valid permit must be in the tree-hunter’s possession at all times.
Trees can be a maximum of 20 feet in height and stump height can be a maximum of eight inches. The whole tree must be removed; do not “top” trees. According to Bridger-Teton National Forest, many aspen stands are being replaced by conifers. To slow this process, conifer removal in aspen stands is encouraged.
Cutting or removal of forest products is prohibited within campgrounds, summer home sites, administrative sites (guard stations), ski areas, Cache Creek Canyon, Trail Creek area, the Snake River Canyon, designated Wilderness or Wilderness Study Areas, elk feedgrounds and within the national parks.
Anyone venturing out to forested areas should plan accordingly and be prepared for changes in temperature and weather.
For maps and details specific to each forest, use the following links:
In 2010, the Capitol Christmas Tree came from Bridger-Teton National Forest. It was an 83-year-old, 67-foot tall, Engelmann Spruce from the Pacific Creek area.
Outside of Jackson Hole, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offers Christmas tree permits through its Pinedale Field Office. These permits cost $10 and can be purchased online. View the map of BLM land in the Pinedale district that is open for Christmas tree cutting. Rules and regulations for BLM tree harvesting can be found online here.
