Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

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Wallowa-Whitman National Forest P.O. Box 907 1550 Dewey Avenue Baker City, Oregon 97814 TDD (541) 523-1405 (541) 523-6391

Passes & Permits

Christmas Tree Permits

Christmas tree cutting permits are available for $5.00 at any Wallowa-Whitman National Forest office and local outlet stores beginning in mid- November. Vending machines sell permits and maps at Whitman Ranger District offices, in Baker City, Unity, and Halfway.

The Christmas tree program is designed for families, business, and institutions wishing to cut their own Christmas tree for decorating. Commercial cutting permits are not available. The permits do not authorize cutting on private, State, or other federally-managed lands.

Christmas tree cutting rules to follow:

Cut your tree at least 50 feet away from the road.
Clean up any trimmings or limbs.
Leave stumps no higher than 10 inches. It is illegal to "top" a tree.
Cut off any green limbs left on the stump (these can be used for decorating greens).
The maximum height of trees to be cut is 20 feet tall with no larger than 6 inch stump diameter.
Do not cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees.
Do not cut on private land, in wilderness areas, designated campgrounds, or existing tree plantations.
Do not cut trees in the following areas: Baker City Watershed, Anthony Lakes Campground or Ski Area, Starkey Experimental Forest, La Grande Watershed, Hurrican Creek and Lostine drainages.
Do not cut trees in posted Old Growth areas or within 1/4 mile of wild and scenic corridors.
Christmas tree cutting within site distance of State Highway is prohibited.

Caring for the tree Caring for your tree is important to prolong freshness. If the tree needs to be temporarily stored before being moved indoors, it is recommended to keep it in a wind-protected area with the cut end in a bucket of water to replenish moisture. Prior to moving the tree indoors, cut off the butt at least 1 inch above the original cut and keep the tree standing in a container of water during the entire time the tree is in the house.

Be Prepared for Winter Weather!

At this time of the year forest roads are muddy, icy, or covered with fresh snow, which makes driving on narrow mountain roads hazardous. For a safe Christmas tree cutting outing make sure your vehicle is equipped with the proper traction devices for the road conditions you may encounter, and to be safe, turn around before attempting to drive into a possibly difficult situation.

Dress appropriately in warm socks, boots, coats, hats & gloves

Bring plenty of snacks and water

Have supplies available to build a fire if necessary

Make sure your vehicle is equipped for winter travel

Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be home

Find out if you need a Sno-Park Permit

Local outlets:

Baker City, OR

York’s Grocery and Sporting Goods, 1549 Campbell

Brogan, OR

Brogan Country Store, Highway 26, In Town

Elgin, OR

O & M Gas & Grocery, 395 Albany

Enterprise, OR

Our Little Store, 214 W North

Joseph, OR

Sport's Corral, 401 N Main

Sumpter, OR

Gold Post, 150 N. Mill Street

Wallowa, OR

Wallowa Food City, Highway 82, In Town

Last updated: 11-19-2008

USDA Forest Service - Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Last Modified: Wednesday, 19 November 2008 at 14:05:43 EST