
Bozeman Christmas Tree Permits
Still need to get your Christmas tree fresh from the forest? No problem...but you DO need a $5 permit to cut your own tree.
Here are the official details from the USFS:
Forest Service offices in Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Livingston, Gardiner, Big Timber, Red Lodge, Billings, Ashland, MT and Camp Crook, SD will have permits available
- 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
- $5.00 each
- Limit of three permits per household
- Permits are sold in person
- Cash, check, debit and credit are accepted
Permits are also available at these local community businesses:
- Belgrade: Town and Country and Belgrade True Value
- Bozeman: Owenhouse Ace Hardware (downtown store bicycle shop and W. Main St. store), Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply
- Four Corners: Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply
- Big Sky: Ace Hardware and Conoco Big Sky
- West Yellowstone: Corner Cenex
- Livingston: Ace Hardware and True Value
- Big Timber: Conoco Town Pump next to the Country Skillet
- Gardiner: Gardiner Market
- Red Lodge: Sylvan Peak Mountain Shop
A permit can also be purchased for gathering personal-use boughs.
Permits, maps, forest road access updates and tree species identification guides are available at each ranger district office.
Christmas tree
- No tree cutting is allowed within 50 feet of any stream, lake, or wetland.
- Only trees 15 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 6 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 trees, 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.
More From The Moose 94.7 FM








