Shoshone National Forest: Christmas Tree Permits Available

Families can continue holiday traditions by spending Thanksgiving looking for this year’s perfect Christmas tree in Shoshone National Forest.

Christmas tree permits for the Shoshone National Forest are now available to purchase – in person and online. One permit costs $8.00 and can be used for one tree up to 20 feet tall, although additional permits for taller trees can be purchased.

To purchase a Christmas tree permit online, visit  Shoshone National Forest Christmas Tree Permits on recreation.gov. There is an additional $2.50 service fee when purchasing a tree permit online.

It is essential to read the need-to-know information before purchasing the permit before finding and felling your tree.

Where to Cut Your Tree

• Do not cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees.
• Do not cut trees within designated wilderness areas, marked timber sales, and within 300 feet of campgrounds, lodges, summer homes, private lands, and administrative sites.
• When searching for your tree, remember that off-road travel regulations are in effect. Check with the ranger district office for more information about the regulations.
• Do not cut north of and on the Wind River reservation or in the Popo Agie Wilderness Area.
• When searching for your Christmas tree at the Shoshone National Forest, be sure to use designated motorized roads and be aware of seasonal road closures. Maps and travel publications are available online and at the ranger district offices.

Selecting Your Tree

• Each forest has limitations on the size of the tree you can cut and the permitted species of trees. See below to help you measure and choose a tree that meets your permit’s guidelines.
• Tree Height: 20 feet maximum
• Stump height: 4 inches maximum
• Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree
• If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height.

Christmas tree permits are also available for purchase Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Shoshone National Forest district offices in Cody, Lander, and Dubois.

Permits will once again be available for purchase at several local businesses.

• Available now:
  • Good 2 Go Stores #2, #3, & #4, Cody
  • One-Stop Motorsports in Powell
  • Good 2 Go Store #5 in Ralston
  • The Red Barn on North Fork Highway
  • Wea Market in Meeteetse
• Available starting Nov. 19:
  • Popo Agie One Stop in Lander