HARRISBURG – Enjoying the fresh air while hiking the forest in search of the perfect Christmas tree, can be a wonderful way to begin the holiday season. Create special memories by bringing your family to the Shawnee National Forest to cut your own Christmas tree.

Christmas tree permits will be available to purchase online between November 14 and December 31, 2023, and allows one Christmas tree to be cut. To purchase a Christmas tree permit, visit www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/shawnee. Maps of where you can look for your holiday tree can be downloaded for a free at the same webpage. Please read all the permit information prior to purchasing your Christmas tree permit. You will need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.

Christmas Tree Permits cost $5.00 (one permit allowed per household), plus a $2.50 online transaction fee. The permit allows for one Eastern Red Cedar tree to be cut and taken home. Permittees must harvest the Eastern Red Cedar on Shawnee National Forest land and chainsaws may be used for cutting the tree. Permittees must also follow Forest Service motor vehicle restrictions in removal and hauling of their Christmas tree. Trees cannot be cut from any restricted areas listed on the permit.

“For families interested in creating new traditions, a trip to their local national forest to cut their own Christmas tree is a perfect opportunity to discover nature and enjoy time together outdoors in search of the perfect holiday tree” said Michael Chaveas, Hoosier and Shawnee National Forest Supervisor.

Cutting a Christmas tree can also help improve forest health. The permit system helps to thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Removing some Christmas trees allows more available nutrients and extra space to grow for the trees that are left standing. Opening up groves of cedar trees can also improve foraging habitat for a variety of wildlife species.