Many Northern Nevadans cherish the tradition of going out in the great outdoors and harvesting their own Christmas tree. The good news is that Christmas tree permits for the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest are now available for purchase.

This not only connects people to public lands but also promotes forest health, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved.

"You're actually helping the national forest from a forest health standpoint. We have had a lot of fires here of recent. And, then just other areas that haven't been treated in a long time, so removing that fuel load that is six inches in diameter and below is actually doing a good job of helping us thin the forest," said U.S. Forest Service District Ranger for the Carson Ranger District Matt Zumstein. 

Christmas tree permits are available for purchase at multiple Forest Service offices and can also be ordered online at Recreation.gov.

Families and businesses are allowed to fell up to two trees for just $10 per tree, with an additional $2 processing fee for online orders.

"We want people to be prepared when they go out. Know what the weather is forecasting. Have the appropriate tools and personal protection equipment available," explained Zumstein. 

It's important to note that each Christmas tree tag is only valid for cutting one tree on lands managed by the ranger district for which the permit was purchased. The permit will also include a map, cutting rules, and regulations to ensure that the process is carried out in a safe and responsible manner.

"There's areas on those maps that show where you can cut and where you can't, so we want you to be in an area that's authorized use," said Zumstein. 

It's important to ensure that you're cutting the appropriate species of tree as outlined in the permit. Additionally, you cannot cut trees wider than six inches in diameter, and it's recommended to fell trees within a proximity of 10 feet to allow for optimal growing conditions for neighboring trees. Following these guidelines helps to promote the health and sustainability.

"It's regulation, and we do have people out patrolling that could potentially enforce those regulations should you be choosing an 8 inch or 6 inch above diameter tree. We don't like to see larger trees chosen and then topped and then 6 feet of tree left on the ground," explained Zumstein. 

Tie your felled tree securely to your vehicle. Drivers are also required to display their permit on the front dashboard of their vehicle, making it easily visible for forest rangers to verify.

'There is a list of best practices when you are issued the permit, please follow those. Low stump your tree to the ground. Leave a clean forest behind and most importantly enjoy yourself. It's a great family activity, it's a great way to connect people with the woods and public lands," said Zumstein.Â