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Fourth graders get a free permit through Every Kid Outdoors
Black Hills National Forest Christmas tree permits are now available at recreation.gov and from local Forest Service offices and private vendors.
To purchase a permit online, visit recreation.gov and search for Black Hills National Forest Christmas Tree Permit. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit.
Visitors will need to set up or log in to an account to complete the transaction. Users can purchase up to five permits per account. Online permits are ready to print immediately after purchasing and must be visible as you remove your tree(s) from the Forest.
Additionally, all fourth graders throughout the United States can receive a free Christmas tree permit, as part of the Every Kid Outdoors Program. The first step is to obtain a voucher or pass from the Every Kid Outdoors website.
If obtaining the Christmas tree tag online, go to recreation.gov and enter the voucher or pass number when prompted. If obtaining your free tree tag from a local Forest Service office, take the voucher or pass along with to your local Forest Service office.
The Forest Service’s Christmas tree cutting program helps improve forest health by thinning densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Removing these trees from the designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can improve wildlife habitat by creating open areas that provide food. Furthermore, over 80% of the revenue generated from the sale of Christmas Tree Permits stays on the Forest and is used to enhance developed recreation sites, such as picnic areas, day-use sites, beaches, boat ramps and docks, and campgrounds.
Black Hills National Forest offices are open Mondays through Fridays, except federal holidays. Please be advised that the Newcastle, Wyoming location will be closed on Friday, November 29 and Friday, December 6.