OCTOBER 10, 2012
Christmas tree cutting permits on sale at Big Five Sporting Goods stores starting Sat., Oct. 27
SPRINGERVILLE – Thousands of people every year cut their Christmas tree from the national forests. This year, Christmas tree cutting permits will be available for five of the six national forests in Arizona: Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Kaibab, Prescott, and Tonto.
Starting Saturday October 27, permits will be available for purchase at Big Five Sporting Goods Stores in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Kingman, Bullhead City, Prescott Valley, Yuma, Thatcher, and Show Low. In addition, permits will also be available for purchase at several Forest Service offices. For information on which offices are offering over-the-counter Christmas tree permits and when they will be sold, please contact the respective national forest:
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests 928-333-4301
Coconino National Forest 928-527-3600
Kaibab National Forest 928-635-8200
Prescott National Forest 928-443-8000
Tonto National Forest 602-225-5200
Each Christmas tree permit is for a specified cutting area and costs $15. The cutting season will start November 17 and end Christmas Eve (December 24) at midnight. This year, there are 9,500 Christmas tree permits available in all; however, some cutting areas offer a very limited number of permits and may sell out quickly. Permits for each national forest will be available as follows:
General information about the Christmas tree cutting program will also available on the Christmas tree permit hotline (928) 333-6267 and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Web site under “Passes and Permits”: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf.
General Rules for Christmas Tree Permits
Each Christmas tree permit is $15 for a tree up to 10 feet tall.
One Christmas tree permit allowed per household—for personal use only.
Trees must be cut within designated cutting areas.
Trees may be cut between November 17 and December 24.
There are no refunds on Christmas tree permits.
Nearby Participating Big Five Stores
Glendale: 5490 West Bell Road, 602-548-5794
Paradise Valley: 4623 East Cactus Road, 602-953-0305
Phoenix/Bell Rd: 1919 West Bell Road, 602-863-1309
Scottsdale: 3330 Hayden Road, 480-941-4387
