Christmas tree cutting permits are for sale online now, or at the Chadron or Halsey offices beginning November 25 through December 31, 2024 . All dates and maps are located here.
The permits are now available online at Recreation.gov for $10 plus a $2.50 processing fee, or at the following offices, beginning November 25, for $10 each Monday through Friday:
- Supervisor and Pine Ridge Office, at 125 N. Main Street in Chadron, NE – 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, MST.
- Bessey Office, at 40637 River Loop Road near Halsey, NE – 8:30-4:30 CST.
The $10 permit entitles the purchaser to harvest one ponderosa pine or Eastern red cedar, measuring up to 20 feet tall. It is important to carefully read the overview and the need-to-know information prior to purchasing and trees must be for personal use, not for resale.
The on-line Recreation.gov site has specific instructions and maps on selected areas for tree harvest, tree selection, tips on how to cut and transport them. Permits from online sales must be printed and displayed on the dash of the vehicle. Tags purchased in person must be clearly displayed around the stem of the tree before leaving the cutting area.
Only areas designated on the permit map are open to Christmas tree cutting. Areas excluded from cutting include all wilderness areas, campgrounds, administration sites, National Recreation Areas, Research Natural Area, and around Pine Ridge Job Corps. For more information, please visit our website.
The Forest Service is the official featured agency to celebrate Every Kid Outdoors Initiative for November and December. Fourth graders that have a Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit. Find out how fourth graders can get the “Every Kid Outdoors Pass” for free at Every Kid Outdoors. Or if 4th graders would rather visit a District Office, please print the paper voucher, and bring it with you to a District Office or the Supervisor’s Office on the NNFG.
Cut trees should be placed in water as soon as possible to help keep needles fresh. Once indoors, trees should be placed away from stoves, heaters, or heating ducts. After Christmas, used trees should be disposed of properly as yard waste. Please do not dump used trees on national forest land.