REGIONAL – North Country residents can get a jump on their holiday decorating. The Superior National Forest has an unlimited supply of Christmas trees, and permits are now available to purchase online.
“For many families, venturing into a National Forest to cut their Christmas tree for the holidays is a treasured tradition carried on for generations,” said Ann Niesen, Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor.
This year the Forest Service decided to move permit sales to recreation.gov as an added convenience for visitors, as well as provide an alternative to in-person transactions at offices that may remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Details about designated cutting areas, dates and types of trees that may be cut can be found at www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/superior. To purchase a Christmas tree permit, visit the website and search for Superior National Forest Christmas Tree Permits. “It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit,” Niesen said. Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.
Superior National Forest Christmas tree permits can also be obtained through contacting your local District Office. For contact information please visit: Superior National Forest Offices Overview .
Cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health, Niesen added. “The permit system helps to 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,” she said.