Stanislaus National Forest Urges Extra Caution While Christmas Tree Harvesting

Sonora, CA — Today is the first opportunity to secure a holiday tree, with a permit, in the Stanislaus National Forest.

We reported earlier that the price is $20 per tree, with a limit of two trees, per every Recreation.gov account. There is also a $2.50 processing fee.

Mi-Wok/Summit District Ranger, Shawn Winstead, says, “With recent weather systems dropping significant snow on some of our higher elevation designated Christmas Tree cutting areas, road conditions have changed. Especially for folks not experienced driving higher elevation Forest Roads, we’re asking people to make sure that they are prepared to drive in the snow, they’re traveling with all of the necessary break-down equipment in their vehicle (chains, jumper cables, blankets), and that they slow down and exercise caution while out on the forest.”

It is a requirement to carry your permit, and it is recommended to bring extra clothes, water, and food.

When choosing your tree, follow the guidelines below:

•          Tree Height: 20 feet maximum
•          Stump height after cut: 12 inches maximum
•          Tree diameter at stump diameter: 6 inches maximum
•          Do not cut isolated trees growing in the open.
•          Select Pine, Fir, or Cedar. Do not cut any hardwood such as aspen or oak.
•          Take the whole tree of the correct size for your home.
•          Do not cut a larger tree and remove the top of the tree.
•          If snow is on the ground, remove snow from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height.

More information about permits can be found here and links to maps are here.

The permits are valid through December 31.