Gila National Forest Christmas tree permit sales begin November 20
Permits available now at Recreation.gov

SILVER CITY, NM, Nov. 15, 2023 – The Gila National Forest will begin to offer permits for cutting Christmas trees at all forest offices beginning Monday, November 20. Permits are also available online now at Gila National Forest Christmas Tree Permit in New Mexico - Recreation.gov.

“Many families enjoy the time-honored annual tradition of finding and cutting their own Christmas tree,” said Gila National Forest Supervisor Camille Howes. “The Gila National Forest is pleased to be a part of holiday family traditions.”

A permit for any species of tree from the Gila National Forest costs $5 per tree. Free permits are available for piñon pine trees and for fourth grade holders of the “Every Kid Outdoors Pass” (find out how fourth graders can get the “Every Kid Outdoors Pass” for free at Every Kid Outdoors). Christmas tree permits are limited to one per household. Cutting rules allow for trees up to 10 feet tall, with up to 6-inch trunk diameter within 6 inches of the ground.

Christmas tree cutting is allowed from November 20 through December 31. Christmas tree cutting is prohibited in designated wilderness areas, riparian areas, or within 200 feet of paved roads or developed recreation sites. Cutting is prohibited within active timber sales or where new trees have been planted. Use of motor vehicles is limited to designated routes. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov .