Subscribe
  • News
    • Local
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Menu
  • News
    • Local
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events

Harvest your own Christmas tree

in News
Megan Paulsonby Megan Paulson
December 6, 2012

By Joseph T. O’Connor ExploreBigSky Editor

You could take the family van and grab a Christmas tree from a Lowe’s parking lot. But if you prefer to “head out into the country in the old front-wheel-drive sleigh to select that most important of Christmas symbols,” Griswold-esque, the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service can help.

The USFS and BLM are offering permits to those wishing to cut down their own Christmas tree this year. Permits are $5, with a limit of three per family, and are available for trees in the Gallatin National Forest at district offices in Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Livingston, Gardiner and Big Timber.

Article Inline Ad Article Inline Ad Article Inline Ad

“Cutting a Christmas tree is a great way to spend time outdoors with those close to you,” said Mariah Leuschen, public affairs specialist with the Gallatin National Forest.

Local businesses are also selling permits, including the Conoco gas stations in Big Sky and West Yellowstone, Owenhouse Ace Hardware and Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply in Bozeman, Ace Hardware in Livingston and in Belgrade at True Value Hardware and Lee and Dad’s IGA.

Permits are available through Christmas.

For more information, call the Bozeman Ranger District at (406) 522-2520 or visit fs.usda.gov/gallatin.

Know the rules:

– No tree cutting is allowed within 100 feet of any stream, lake or wetland.

– Only trees 12 feet tall or less may be cut.

– Cut your tree as close to the ground as possible and below the lowest live limb.

– A remaining stump height of six inches or less is ideal.

– After cutting your tree, attach the purchased permit to a lower limb near the trunk for transporting home.

– “Topping” trees, or cutting the top off, deforms any future growth and leaves
a visual eyesore. Take the entire tree or choose another one.

– Trees help protect watersheds, provide habitat for wildlife, and contribute to beautiful scenery. Keep these values in mind when selecting a tree.

Outlaw Realty Outlaw Realty
Outlaw Realty
ADVERTISEMENT

Listen

Hoary Marmot Podcast

Joe Borden & Michele Veale Borden

Lastest Episode
See More Episodes

Upcoming Events

Jun 19
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

June Show at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery

Jun 20
9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Community Yoga

Jun 20
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

June Show at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery

Jun 20
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Trivia at the Waypoint

Jun 21
9:00 am - 10:00 am Event Series

Planting the Past: Crafting Historic Seed Boxes

View Calendar
Event Calendar

Related Posts

Construction to start July 7 on 19th Avenue in Bozeman
News

Construction to start July 7 on 19th Avenue in Bozeman

June 18, 2025
Gallatin County Commission adopts safe roads action plan 
News

Gallatin County Commission adopts safe roads action plan 

June 17, 2025
BSRAD invests in ongoing community projects, microgrants 
Local

BSRAD invests in ongoing community projects, microgrants 

June 16, 2025
Big Sky OUT’s Summer Pride March draws support across Big Sky
Local

Big Sky OUT’s Summer Pride March draws support across Big Sky

June 16, 2025

An Outlaw Partners Publication

Facebook-f Instagram X-twitter Youtube

Explore Big Sky

  • About/Contact
  • Advertise
  • Publications
  • Subscriptions
  • Podcast
  • Submissions

Outlaw Brands

  • Mountain Outlaw
  • Plan Yellowstone
  • Big Sky PBR
  • Wildlands Music
  • Outlaw Partners
  • Outlaw Realty
  • Hey Bear

Copyright © 2025 Explore Big Sky | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Your Privacy Choices

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Yellowstone
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Real Estate
  • Events

©2024 Outlaw Partners, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Explore Big Sky Logo
  • News
    • Local
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Subscribe
Facebook X-twitter Instagram Youtube