SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Christmas tree permit program in the Lake Tahoe Basin continues to be paused for another year in 2026. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) made the official announcement in 2024 that its Christmas tree permit program would pause for several years due to limited cutting areas suitable for gathering Christmas trees.
But families with a fourth grader are in luck. Those students with an Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) pass are still eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied online). The student must be present when the pass is purchased in person, as well as when the tree is cut. For more information on obtaining the EKO pass, visit HERE.
“The temporary pause will allow ongoing forest health and fuels reduction projects to be completed in some areas where Christmas tree cutting was permitted in the past and give saplings time to grow large enough in other locations to support a Christmas tree program in the future,” said LTBMU’s Victor Lyon in 2024.
Eldorado Forest permits go on sale November 1. Get info HERE.
Tahoe National Forest permits also go on sale November 1. Get info HERE.
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Christmas tree permits for the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest will be available to purchase online through Recreation.gov beginning October 20, 2026. Details about designated cutting areas, dates, and types of trees that may be cut may be found here: https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits.
To purchase a Christmas tree permit, visit Recreation.gov and search for Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest or other forest areas’ Christmas tree permits. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will need to select the correct district they intend to collect their Christmas tree on. They will also need to set up or log in to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.
Cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health. The permit system helps thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Local forest health experts identify areas that benefit from thinning trees that tend to be the perfect size for Christmas trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide forage for wildlife.
For more information, visit these online resources:
• Recreation.gov Christmas Tree Permit page with map interface
• Help Center article “How Do I Purchase and Print a Christmas Tree Permit?”
• Cut a Tree for the Holidays from Your National Forest article
• Every Kid Outdoors Fourth Grade Pass program
• Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Christmas Tree Permit page