Thousands Buy National Forest Permits, Holiday Tree Cutting Popular Locally

Six Rivers National Forest sold thousands of Christmas tree cutting permits after they went on sale in November 2025, with the Forest Service reporting 2,649 permits sold in the recent window that closed on December 11, 2025. The brisk pace of sales underscores a longstanding local practice of harvesting a tree from public lands for home celebrations, and it signals a busy holiday season for the region's trails, forest roads, and recreation areas.

The Forest Service allows permit holders to cut a tree for personal use under specified rules. Basic legal requirements include maximum diameter limits and setback distances from roads, among other site and species restrictions. Permit holders are reminded to consult official Forest Service maps and regulations before they enter the forest to cut a tree, to ensure they are in an approved area and are following the conditions of their permit.

For Humboldt County residents this year, the permit numbers translate into more people on the landscape, greater demand for parking near trailheads and access points, and increased need for careful attention to safety and stewardship. Households that harvest their own tree join a tradition that links families to place and season, but this activity also places responsibilities on individual visitors to protect forest resources and reduce impacts. Timing, vehicle parking, and awareness of winter road conditions will matter for those heading into mountainous parts of Six Rivers.

Local businesses and outfitters may see modest increases in traffic from people buying saws, rope, and straps needed to transport trees, and local volunteer groups that monitor trails and roadside corridors may be called upon to respond to higher use. The permit system is designed to balance access with resource protection, and the Forest Service encourages all permit holders to familiarize themselves with the rules, carry the required permit documentation while in the forest, and follow leave no trace practices.

As the holidays approach, consult current Forest Service maps and the posted regulations for Six Rivers before you go. Proper preparation will help preserve both the experience of cutting a home tree and the health of the forest for the next season.