What better way is there to get in the holiday spirit than to don coats and hats and gloves, and walk through the woods in search of that perfect Christmas tree, cut down with your own tools by your own hands? It is a family holiday tradition that many in Arizona cherish, but there is some very important preparation to do. For you see, you cannot just load up the family and the dog into the SUV, drive up north and begin your search. You must have a permit to cut a Christmas tree. The months of September and October are when permit applications are accepted in Arizona.
New in 2007: the fee of $10 should NOT accompany the application. If you are selected in the draw, you will be notified and you must then send in your check or money order.
Here is what you need to know:
- In order to harvest that perfect Christmas tree, you must enter the State sponsored lottery that begins in mid-September.
- Companies, organizations or schools may not apply. Applications for the 2007 season must be postmarked by October 1, 2007.
- Permits are issued for harvesting one tree under 10 feet tall, per residence, per year.
- Only one application per residence will be accepted and only individuals or families may apply for trees to be used in their household.
- You can get an application at various libraries, Arizona Game & Fish, National Park Service, and BLM offices sometime after September 14th. You can also get an application online, as well as instructions for completing it and the mailing address.
- Do not try to personally deliver your application. It will not be accepted.
- You may harvest a tree for a friend if you have their permit with you, and up to 5 families may send their applications in the same envelope.
- No tree harvested under this program may be sold.
- Notices will be mailed or emailed to all successful and unsuccessful applicants no later than October 19. Successful applicants will be notified where to mail the $10 fee.
- If your application is drawn, and your fee is received, your permit will be mailed by November 9, 2007 along with a map.
- Trees may be harvested during the period between November 9th and December 24th.
For more information you may call the Christmas tree hotline at 602-225-5258.
You can pick up a Christmas tree-cutting application sometime after September 14, 2007 (call first to see if they are available yet) at any Forest Service office or at public libraries in Apache Junction, Buckeye, Cave Creek, Chandler, Glendale, Phoenix, Mesa, Peoria, Tempe, Scottsdale or in the Maricopa County Public Library system.
In 2007 tree-cutting permits will be available as follows:
The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest has two tree-cutting areas, both of which allow for any species of tree. The Kaibab National Forest has one cutting area available for piñon or juniper. The entire Prescott National Forest is available for any tree species. The Tonto National Forest has one cutting area available around Payson for either piñon or juniper. The Coconino National Forest will not be participating in the program in 2007.
Keep in mind that less than 4,000 total permits for Christmas tree cutting will be issued this year--get your application in early for a better chance at getting your first choice!
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Tree lightings, holiday lights, festivals, holiday music and entertainment, gift guides and holiday travel tips -- find them all in the Christmas Holidays Guide for Greater Phoenix.
All prices and dates are subject to change without notice.
