Families Can Harvest $5 Christmas Trees in Helena National Forest
Beginning Nov. 1, families may harvest Christmas trees in the Helena–Lewis & Clark National Forest with $5 permits, a low-cost option officials say supports forest stewardship and reduces wildfire risk. The U.S. Forest Service has published rules and maps to guide residents on safe, environmentally responsible cutting practices.
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Residents of Lewis and Clark County can again harvest their own Christmas trees from the Helena–Lewis & Clark National Forest starting Nov. 1 by purchasing a $5 permit from the U.S. Forest Service. Officials emphasize that the annual program is both a local tradition and a management tool intended to decrease fuel loads, support forest health and engage the community in stewardship of public lands.
The Forest Service has outlined several safety and stewardship rules that permit holders must follow. Trees may be no taller than 12 feet, and stumps must be cut to 6 inches or less. Topping trees is prohibited; harvesters are required to take the whole tree. Leftover branches should be scattered rather than piled, and cutting must be done away from roads and recreation sites to avoid hazards. Harvesters must also stay at least 150 feet from waterways to protect riparian areas and water quality. Maps showing permitted cutting areas are available through the U.S. Forest Service to help families plan their trips.
For local households, the program offers an affordable way to maintain holiday traditions while participating in landscape management. The nominal permit fee and the opportunity to collect a tree directly from public land can be especially meaningful for families for whom store-bought trees are a financial burden. At the same time, the rules are designed to minimize ecological disturbance and protect recreation infrastructure, balancing access with conservation.
From a public health and safety perspective, reducing accumulations of small trees and understory material lowers the availability of fine fuels that can contribute to wildfire spread. For a county that has experienced the consequences of wildfire in recent seasons, community involvement in fuel reduction through permitted cutting is one piece of a broader approach to wildfire risk mitigation. The requirement to keep harvesting activities away from roads and recreation sites also addresses immediate safety risks to vehicle traffic and trail users.
The U.S. Forest Service encourages anyone planning to harvest a tree to consult the provided maps and follow all guidelines. By combining affordable access with clear stewardship standards, the program aims to foster responsible use of public forests while contributing to the long-term resilience of local landscapes. Families interested in participating should obtain their permits beginning Nov. 1 and review the Forest Service resources for locations and rules.
