Find your tree on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest! Christmas Tree Permits are now available.

Release Date: 

Contact(s): Joseph Black, Public Affairs Specialist


A young couple ties a tree to their vehicle

BAKER CITY, Ore. (November 18, 2021) – Happy holidays to all! There are many ways to celebrate the season, and one of them is venturing into the National Forest to find the perfect tree. It’s an affordable experience that offers priceless memories: footprints in the snow, the scent of fresh-cut fir, warm drinks, frosty breath, rosy cheeks, and smiling faces.

“If you are on the hunt for the perfect tree, you are welcome to harvest one from the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest,” said Shaun McKinney, Forest Supervisor. “You’ll have a memorable adventure and a story to share with family and friends. Fortunately, it is now easier than ever to get a tree permit at Recreation.gov or from one of our local vendor partners. To conserve forest ecosystems and scenery, we ask for your help by following the rules in the 2021 Christmas Tree brochure. Have fun, be safe, and happy holidays!”

Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. Permits are available for $5.

A family looks at holiday trees

 

If you would like to support a local business with your permit purchase this year, visit one of the many local vendors in your area listed below:

  • Bi Mart in Baker City, OR, (541) 523-0680, or

  • D&B Supply, Baker City, OR, (541) 523-6442

  • York’s, Baker City, OR, 541-523-2577

  • The Gold Post, Sumpter, OR, (541) 894-2362

  • Burnt River Market, Unity, OR, (541) 446-3660

  • Hitchin’ Post Grocery, Richland, OR, (541) 893-6175    

  • Halfway Market, Halfway, OR, (541) 742-6174   

  • Wallowa Food City, Wallowa, OR, (541) 886-3691              

  • Dollar Stretcher, Enterprise, OR, (541) 426-5833           

  • Sports Corral, Joseph, OR, (541) 432-4363                                   

  • Miller’s Home Center, La Grande, OR, (541) 963-3113                                                                 

  • Bi Mart in La Grande, OR, (541) 963-2166  

  • Hometown Hardware, Union, OR, (541) 562-5472                

  • Island City Market & Deli, Island City, OR, (541) 963-7140           

Did you know cutting a holiday tree can also help to improve forest health?  By following the rules for locating and harvesting your tree, you will be participating in forest thinning by removing a small-diameter tree.  In most parts of the forest, removing small trees reduces the risk of wildfire, helps other trees to grow larger and more fire-resistant, and creates open areas that provide forage for wildlife. So don’t feel bad when you cut that little tree. You are supporting a healthy forest.

For more information, please contact your nearest National Forest office:                          

  • Whitman RD-Baker Office, Baker City, OR, (541) 523-6391

  • La Grande District, La Grande, OR, (541) 963-7186                                                      

  • Wallowa Mountains Office, Joseph, OR, (541) 426-5546 (vending machine for after-hours purchases)

  • Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, Clarkston, WA, (509) 758-0616

 

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