NOVEMBER 27, 2013
Christmas tree permit availability update
SPRINGERVILLE – As of November 22, Christmas tree cutting permits are available for five of the six national forests in Arizona: Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Kaibab, Prescott (sold out) and Tonto.
Permits went on sale at participating Big 5 Stores November 9, 2013. In addition, permits are available for purchase at several Forest Service offices. For information on which offices are offering over-the-counter Christmas tree permits, when they will be sold, and when cutting will begin 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
Each Christmas tree permit is for a specified cutting area and costs $15. The cutting season will end Christmas Eve (December 24) at midnight. This year, there were 10,650 Christmas tree permits available in all; however, some cutting areas offer a very limited number of permits and are selling out quickly. Permits for each national forest are available as follows:
General information about the Christmas tree cutting program will also be available on the Christmas tree permit hotline 928-333-6267 and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Website under “Passes and Permits”, then “Forest Products”: 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. If a tree taller than 10 feet is needed, two permits will have to be purchased.
• You may cut a live tree. Please fill in the hole afterward.
• One Christmas tree permit allowed per household—for personal use only.
• Trees must be cut within designated cutting areas. Cutting area maps are included with the permit.
• Trees may be cut until December 24.
• There are no refunds on Christmas tree permits.
Local Participating Big 5 Stores
Glendale: 5490 West Bell Road, 602-548-5794
Mesa: 2930 North Power Road, 480-854-1889
Mesa/Gilbert: 1244 South Gilbert Road, 480-507-0137
Paradise Valley: 4623 East Cactus Road, 602-953-0305
Phoenix/Bell Rd: 1919 West Bell Road, 602-863-1309
Phoenix/East: 3560 East Thomas Road, 602-955-9601
Phoenix/West: 7710 West Thomas Road, 623-848-4800
Scottsdale: 3330 Hayden Road, 480-941-4387
