Surrounded by public lands and keeping with many family traditions that go back through the generations, the annual Christmas tree cutting season has arrived, with permits now available locally through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and the BLM Carson City District.

The U.S. Forest Service Christmas Tree Program is designed for families, businesses, and institutions wishing to cut their own trees for decorating.

Details about Humboldt-Toiyabe designated cutting areas, dates, and types of trees that may be can be found here. Please be aware that if purchasing through Recreation.gov there will be an additional fee of $2.50 per transaction.

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit does not have trees for sale this year, and Eldorado National Forest has sold all of its online permits though some in-person permits are available (see directions on the recreation.gov page). Tahoe National Forest still has permits available.

To purchase a Christmas tree permit, visit Recreation.gov and search for Humboldt-Toiyabe Christmas Tree Permits. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or log in to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.  

For details on how to purchase permits in-person or a list of local vendors, visit the Forest’s Christmas Tree Cutting Permit page. Christmas tree permits are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis. Permits are nonrefundable, nontransferable, and valid only through Dec. 25, 2025.  

Each Christmas tree tag is valid for cutting one tree on land managed by the ranger district for which the permit was purchased. A map, cutting rules, and regulations will be included with the permit. The permit does not authorize cutting on private, state, or other federal lands. Christmas trees cannot be harvested within developed campgrounds, administrative sites, or designated wilderness areas. 

If you have purchased a Christmas tree permit in person, please ensure the adhesive tag is attached securely to the tree so it is visible during transportation. If you purchase your permit through Recreation.gov, a copy of the permit is required to be placed visibly on your vehicle dashboard. 

Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied). 

Cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health. The permit system helps thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Local forest health experts identify areas that benefit from thinning trees that tend to be the perfect size for Christmas trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide forage for wildlife. 

For more information, visit these online resources:  

Christmas Tree permits through Bureau of Land Management

Meanwhile, The Bureau of Land Management, Carson City District, will begin selling Christmas tree permits on Monday, Nov. 24, online and in-person. The permit is valid from the date of purchase through Dec. 25.

To purchase a Christmas tree permit online, visit https://forestproducts.blm.gov/ and search for Nevada, Carson City District Office.

The cost per Christmas tree permit is $5. Upon purchase of a permit, a map and permit stipulations will be provided. No more than ten permits may be purchased by one individual; the permits are for individual use only. The permit allows the purchaser to cut only a pinyon pine or juniper tree. The cutting of all other tree species is prohibited.

Pinyon pine Christmas trees may only be harvested in the Clan Alpine and Desatoya Mountains east of Fallon, and the Excelsior Mountains southeast of Hawthorne. Pinyon pine Christmas trees may not be harvested within the Pine Nut Mountains or the Virginia Range due to past fires and habitat conservation. Juniper Christmas trees may be harvested on all Carson City District BLM administered lands. No cutting of Christmas trees within Wilderness or Wilderness study areas and cutting of Christmas trees near city/residential areas.

BLM Christmas tree permits can also be purchased in-person at the following local locations:

BLM Carson City District Office

5665 Morgan Mill Rd., Carson City

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 775-885-6000

Cal Ranch – Carson City

2035 N. Carson St., Carson City

Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 775-461-2213

Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce

1477 US Highway 395 North Suite A (inside museum building), Gardnerville

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed 12-1 p.m., 775-782-8144

BLM-Nevada State Office-Reno

1340 Financial Blvd., Reno

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 775-861-6500

Tree cutters should be prepared with warm clothing, first aid kit, extra food and water, heavy rope or chain, shovel and tire chains, in the event of bad road conditions or inclement weather. Some cutting areas may be inaccessible after snowfall, so it is advisable to cut trees early in the season.

In addition, while out cutting your Christmas tree, remember to have your permit, follow all cutting stipulations, and all recommended procedures to prevent wildfires. Also, stay on existing roads, consult your maps to insure you are on BLM land, and please report any permit violations with as much information as possible (e.g. date, license plate number, detailed location, and directions to area) to the Carson City District Office.

This event is part of the Season of Giving in Carson City. Want to learn more about how you can give back this holiday season to your community? Visit our Season of Giving main hub below!

Carson Now’s Season of Giving 2025: Holiday Fundraisers in Carson City and Beyond