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The Forest Service reminds interested parties that forest product permits are now available for holiday decorating and festivities.
Holiday tree cutting or balsam boughs gathering can be a special family tradition. Permits must be on-site during forest products gathering. Information on forest products permits is located at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ main/superior/passes-permits/ forestproducts Holiday Trees
Holiday/Christmas tree permits went on sale on Oct. 13, through Jan. 6, from Recreation. gov at: Recreation. gov-SNF-Christmas Tree Permit cost is $5 per tree. Additional guidelines and restrictions include: Make sure you are on National Forest System land, but not within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Maps can be viewed or purchased at Forest Service offices.
Choose cutting areas away from plantations, developed recreation or administration sites, and Research Natural Areas.
Walk/snowshoe/ski well off the roadside to select your tree. Select a tree the correct size for your home. Do not cut the top off a taller tree. The maximum stump height is 12 inches.
There is a two tree per household limit.
Every Kid Outdoors offers a free Christmas tree tag to all fourth graders. More at: https://everykidoutdoors.gov/ index.htm Balsam Boughs
Balsam bough permits are available at for personal and commercial use.
All bough cutting parties must have a permit. Parties can have up to five pickers listed. Boughs for personal (non-commercial) use, you may purchase a permit for $20 and cut enough boughs for five wreaths. If you are picking commercially to supply commercial manufacturers, there is a minimum permit fee of $50 for two tons. Additional tons may be harvested at $25 per ton.
Walk/ski/snowshoe at least 50 feet off the roadside, trail, lake, or recreation area before selecting the trees from which to harvest. Harvest boughs from trees that are greater than seven feet high. Never fell trees to harvest boughs. You may only harvest branches from the lower half of the tree. Leave a portion of each pruned branch for regeneration.
Ha r vested branches should have ends no larger in diameter than a pencil. As you harvest along the branch, leave part of the branch for growth and regeneration. Cutting at a fork will leave one side of the fork for regeneration.
Harvesting of Princess Pine is not allowed on federal lands.
Firewood Permits
The Superior National Forest offers year-round firewood permits for $20, available at offices.
Conditions for a firewood permit include:
• It is the permittee’s responsibility to make sure they are on Superior National Forest lands. Only down trees within 100 feet of the centerline of the Forest Service roads listed on the permit are allowed. All firewood products cut must be no longer than six feet in length. Trees marked with paint, tags or signs may not be removed but can be cleared.
• Forest products obtained under “free use” are for personal use only and cannot be sold or exchanged.
• Permit must be in permittee’s possession while harvesting and transporting products. Permit is nontransferable.
• The use of tractors, rubber- tired skidders, or similar vehicles is not allowed. Close any road barricade when leaving if applicable. No rutting or ground disturbing activities.
