Christmas Tree Permits 

Holiday Events in Plumas County

Christmas tree cutting permits (personal use) go on sale for the Plumas and Lassen National Forests on November 1.  Permits may be used only in the forest for which they were purchased. A map of the tree cutting areas and regulations are included with the permit. 

With a $10 permit, Christmas trees may be cut until December 24, 2007. Tree cutters are asked to take extra care to cut in the areas noted and to remember to attach the permit to their tree before leaving the cutting area, to avoid penalties.

Make your family outing to Plumas County even more memorable by including some local holiday traditions such as a ride in a horse drawn wagon or  participating in a tree lighting ceremony complete with food, song, and merriment.  Warning: You may have to include an extra day to take in all the festive shopping opportunities! 

Click or call the Plumas County Visitors Bureau (800) 326-2247 for information about lodging, dining, and local events in your favorite part of the county.

Listed below are businesses and offices where Christmas tree permits may be purchased.  

Permits can be purchased in person.  Lassen National Forest Headquarters and Hat Creek Ranger Station will be open from  8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Almanor Ranger Station is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and  on the following Saturdays: Nov. 24, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 , and  on Sunday, Dec. 2 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.  The Mineral Work Center will be open on the following Saturdays: Nov. 24, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and on Sunday Dec. 2 from 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.  The Old Station Information Center will be open on Friday, Nov 24 and on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. through Dec. 9.  Butte Meadows Work Center will be open on Friday, Nov. 23 from 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., and on the following Saturdays: Nov. 24, Dec. 1, Dec.8, Dec.15, and on the following Sundays: Nov.25 and Dec.2 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00.p.m.  The Eagle Lake station will be open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and on the following Saturdays, Nov. 24, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. (Please call ahead to confirm Saturday dates - they could change.)

To mail for a permit, please write to one of these offices:

Checks or money orders (no cash) should be made payable to: USDA Forest Service. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a permit; they are non-refundable and no more than two permits will be mailed to one address or household. Mail requests must be received by December 1. Mail requests received after December 1 will be returned as the Forest Service cannot guarantee permits will reach their destination.   

Tree-cutting tips:

Because of the unpredictable weather conditions in the mountains, please plan to cut your tree as soon as possible, dress appropriately in warm clothing, and be prepared for possible ice and snow on the roads. 

To help keep your tree nice and fresh, cut two inches from the bottom of the tree when you get home and place it in water. Keep your tree watered and in a shady spot until you are ready for it in the house. 

Bring an old tarp to wrap your tree in - then when you drag your tree out of the forest, the tarp protects the tree and helps you avoid breaking branches. The tarp can also help avoid wind damage on the way home.

When driving home, make sure the tree permit tag is visible. The permit needs to be attached to the tree and sealed so that the permit must be cut or the seal broken to be removed. If you plan to transport more than five trees in the same vehicle, a Transportation Permit is required from the Sheriff's office.