It’s Not Too Late to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX) – Have you picked out your Christmas tree yet? If not, thank goodness it’s not too late. More good news: the Sawtooth National Forest can help.

You can cut your own tree, with a permit, until Dec. 25. The $10 permit allows a family or organization to choose and cut one tree up to 20 feet. Depending on the area, according to the SNF, there are a variety of trees available including lodge pole pine, sub-alpine fir, Douglas-fir and pinyon pine.

There are a few places you can’t cut a tree, such as administrative sites, campgrounds, ski areas, summer home sites and organization camps. The SNF also recommends that you watch the weather and check the access of the area you plan to visit.

“We strongly recommend that people check with the Forest Service office closest to the area where they plan to cut their tree,” forester Karl Fuelling said in a prepared statement. “Conditions on-the-ground vary greatly from area to area throughout the Forest. In some places it may be necessary to cross-country ski or use a snow machine to access cutting areas.”

You will be provided information about areas when you purchase your permit. “This will include maps and rules for cutting trees,” he said.

Ready to buy your permit? You can do so at the following locations:

Fairfield Area
Fairfield Ranger District Office, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Camas Creek Country Store, 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday 6:30 a.m.- 8:30 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday; 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday

Twin Falls Area
Forest Supervisor’s Office, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Rock Creek General Store, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week
Hansen Quick Stop & Go, 5 a.m.-11 p.m. seven days a week

Burley Area
Minidoka Ranger District Office, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Naf Store, South of Malta, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. seven days a week

Ketchum Area
Ketchum Ranger District Office, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Sawtooth NRA Headquarters Office, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 and 17
LL Green Hardware in Hailey, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Stanley Area
Stanley Ranger Station, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; 1-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday