Press Release
USDA Forest Service
Christmas tree cutting has been a treasured tradition in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and a permitted forest use for many decades. Permits for the 2023 season are easily accessible for purchase in the office, online, and at several local vendors.
To purchase at our offices, visit any location Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:
• Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District, 2171 Highway 130 Saratoga, Wyoming, (307) 326-5258
• Douglas Ranger District, 2250 East Richards Street Douglas, Wyoming, (307) 358-4690
• Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District, 925 Weiss Drive Steamboat Springs, Colorado, (970) 870-2299
• Laramie Ranger District, 2468 Jackson Street Laramie, Wyoming, (307) 745-2300
• Parks Ranger District, 100 Main Street Walden, Colorado, (970) 723-2700
• Yampa Ranger District, 300 Roselawn Ave Yampa, Colorado, (970) 638-4516
To purchase from a vendor, contact them for hours of operation:
• Centennial Visitor Center, Wyoming Highway 130 Centennial, Wyoming, (307) 742-9730
• Craig Chamber of Commerce, 775 Yampa Ave Suite 103, Craig, Colorado, (970) 824-5689
• West Laramie Fly Store, 1657 Snowy Range Rd, Laramie, Wyoming, (307) 745-5425
To buy a Christmas tree permit online, visit Recreation.gov/tree-permits/mbr. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. A $2.50 processing fee is applied to each online transaction.
Each permit costs $10 and allows for the cutting of one tree on National Forest System Lands, with a five-permit per household limit. Trees must be for personal use, not for resale. Permits from online sales must be printed and displayed on the dash of the vehicle. Tags purchased in person must be clearly displayed around the stem of the tree before leaving the cutting area.
Some areas of the Forest are off-limits to tree cutting or may be difficult to access. Cutting in developed recreation sites and in Wilderness Areas is prohibited. View regulations or contact the Ranger District in the area where you will be cutting your tree for site-specific information, including road status and area restrictions. These regulations have been established to maintain a healthy forest environment and a sustainable forest management program.
When planning your trip, pay attention to weather forecasts, avoid areas with beetle-killed or fire-weakened trees on high wind days, be aware of their surroundings, and check maps to know their location. Weather conditions can change quickly, so be prepared. Dress for winter conditions and have your vehicle equipped adequately with a winter vehicle kit.
Fourth graders who have an Every Kid Outdoors pass (EKO) are eligible to have the fee for one Christmas tree permit waived. Apply for the $10 savings by entering the EKO pass or voucher number with your purchase. If your fourth grader does not have an Every Kid Outdoors pass, they can obtain one via the Every Kid Outdoors website. A $2.50 processing fee will be applied when obtaining a Christmas tree permit online.
For more information about the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, visit our website or social media channels: @FS_MBRTB on Twitter or @FSMBRTB on Facebook.
