HALSEY & CHADRON, NE – Christmas tree cutting permits are for sale online and in person in Halsey and Chadron through December 31, 2024.
Online permits can be bought at Recreation.gov for $10 plus a $2.50 processing fee. In-person permit purchases are $10 Monday through Friday at the Bessey Office near Halsey 8:30a-4:30p CST or at the Supervisor and Pine Ridge Office in Chadron from 8a-4:30 MST.
Permit purchasers are entitled to harvest one ponderosa pine or Eastern red cedar measuring up to 20 feet tall for personal, non-resale use.
Permit maps indicate areas that are open to Christmas tree cutting. Areas excluded from cutting include all wilderness areas, campgrounds, administration sites, National Recreation Areas, Research Natural area, and around Pine Ridge Job Corps.
Those seeking specific instructions and maps on selected areas for tree harvest, tree selection, tips on how to cut and transport them, and more can visit Recreation.gov. If a permit is purchased online, it must be printed and displayed on the dash of your vehicle. Those purchased in person must be clearly displayed around the stem of the tree before leaving the cutting area.
In addition to the option of purchasing a Christmas tree cutting permit, fourth graders that have an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit. Information on how to get the pass for free can be found here. Fourth graders that would rather visit a District Office can print the paper voucher and bring it along.
After cutting a Christmas tree, it should be placed in water as soon as possible to help keep needles fresh. Once indoors, trees should be placed away from stoves, heaters, or heating ducts. After Christmas, used trees should be disposed of properly as yard waste and not be dumped on national forest land.