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Listeners Question. Where can I go to cut my own Christmas tree with my family? There are many private and public areas in the state to cut trees. Tree cutting is not allowed on public lands along the Wasatch front. There are three national forests, the bureau of land Management and the division of forestry fire and state land. Contact them for further information or see the information below. Several private tree farms allow cutting. Riley’s Orchard in Payson is at 1260 South Main. Call (801) 465-9364 To legal transport a tree in Utah you must have a in your possession a completed authorization form (Authorization to Cut & Transport Tree). CHRISTMAS TREE GUIDELINES FOR ASHLEY NATIONAL FOREST When do the Christmas tree permits go on sale? Permits go on sale November 16 at the Ashley National Forest Service Offices and vendors. When purchasing your permit be certain that you pick up the Christmas Tree Permit Map, as it is part of your permit. o Vernal Ranger District Vendors: Davis Jubilee, Laverne & Shirley's Conoco, Stella's Kitchen, Northeastern Utah Visitor's Center and Lapoint Country Store in Lapoint. o Duchesne Ranger District Vendors: Hanna Country Store in Hanna. o Roosevelt Ranger District Vendors: Stewart's Thriftway. o Flaming Gorge Ranger District Vendors: Manila & Green River Forest Service Offices, Dam Visitor's Center, Slaugh's Chevron (Manila), and Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce. What are the office hours of the Forest Service Offices? The Forest Supervisor's and District offices will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. What size of tree can I cut and how much will it cost? Trees up to 15 feet tall may be cut and the cost is $10 per tree. Can I top off a larger tree and use the upper portion as a Christmas tree? No, trees must be cut within six inches of the ground (not the snow level). Where can I cut my tree? See specific District maps for further details. The following regulations should be followed when cutting Christmas trees on the Ashley National Forest: Do not cut within 200 feet of riparian areas (streams, lakes, meadows), roads, campgrounds, and administrative sites (including summer home areas & guard stations), or within designated closed areas on the map. What species can I cut? Any species except Ponderosa Pine may be cut on the Vernal Ranger District. If you are planning on cutting your tree on another District please check the cutting restrictions on the map. How many trees can I cut and when can I cut? The limit is 1 tree per household. Vernal and Flaming Gorge District Christmas tree permits may be cut through December 25. The Roosevelt and Duchesne District Christmas tree permits must be cut no later then December 15. Can I buy a permit for someone else? Yes, you may purchase up to two additional permits on the Flaming Gorge and Vernal Ranger Districts. Only one additional permit is allowed to be purchased on the Roosevelt and Duchesne Ranger Districts and it must be for a shut-in. This allows you to buy a permit for someone who cannot purchase the permit themselves. The permits must be issued in the names and addresses of the person for whom the permits are purchased. Can someone else cut my Christmas tree for me? Yes, however they must have in their possession a completed authorization form (Authorization to Cut & Transport Tree). Can I sell the tree I cut? No, the trees are for personal use only. What should I bring with me on my visit to the Ashley National Forest? A 4-wheel drive vehicle, chains, saw, and shovel is recommended. Be prepared for winter weather conditions, dress appropriately, and bring a winter survival kit along with you. PLEASE WATCH FOR LOGGING TRAFFIC ON FOREST ROADS!
