Shawnee National Forest to Offer $5 Christmas Tree Permits Online
The Shawnee National Forest will soon make Christmas tree permits available online for $5, starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, November 17, via recreation.gov. Each permit allows for the cutting of one tree. Permitted species include Eastern Red Cedar, Loblolly Pine, Shortleaf Pine, and White Pine. Fourth graders holding an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit. Forest service officials emphasize that cutting Christmas trees helps improve forest health by thinning densely populated stands of small-diameter trees, which allows other trees to grow larger and creates foraging areas for wildlife. Before heading out, visitors are advised to measure the space in their home for the tree, check road and forest conditions, and prepare for adverse weather. Cutting must occur in designated areas, avoiding private property. Trees should be cut close to the ground, leaving a stump of about 6 inches. Tools such as a handsaw, gloves, boots, a tarp, and rope are recommended. Chainsaws are permit...