Christmas Tree Permit (Personal Use Only)
in the Chilcotin Forest District
*Please read this information carefully as you plan for your Christmas tree cutting.
To download your Free Use Christmas Tree Permit, Click here  30 KB
Who May Apply for a Free Christmas Tree?
Any person, who is 19 years or older and resides in British Columbia, is allowed to cut a Christmas tree free of charge from Crown lands, all you need is a Free Use Permit which is available from the Chilcotin District Office or online (see link at the bottom of this page).
How Can I Apply?
You will need to complete the Free Use Permit at the Chilcotin District Office or by printing and completing the online form (see link at the bottom of this page).
Where do I Cut a Tree?
In the Chilcotin Forest District you may only cut a tree from areas designated for this purpose. These areas are, the Crown land portions of the following:
- Hydro right-of-way (Crown-land portions only) except areas where Christmas trees are being grown commercially;
- Logging roads (within three metres - 10 feet -- of the edge of the road).
Cut your tree from dry, rocky sites or south slopes within the permitted areas. They produce better Christmas trees.
Are There Areas Where I Must Not Cut Christmas Trees?
Yes, there are areas where you may not cut a Christmas tree from:
- Private lands
- Plantations
- Research areas
- Parks
- Adjacent to rivers, streams, lakes or swamps
- Juvenile-spaced areas
- Any other areas reserved for a special use
- No Cutting on Tree Farm Licence 5 and Tree Farm Licence 52
How Many Trees Can I Cut?
You are allowed to cut only two trees per family. Cutting Christmas trees free of charge is strictly for personal use. You are not allowed to sell them. Failure to comply is an unauthorized harvest on Crown land under Forest and Range Practices Act. Unauthorized cutting may be further subject to prosecution under the Criminal Code of Canada.
What Species of Tree Should I Cut?
| Tree Qualities: |
Subalpine Fir (Balsam) |
Aromatic, uniform, rich dark green colour. Tends to produce pitch, the area under the tree should be covered. |
|
Spruce |
Rich green colour, uniform taper. Needles are pointed, good choice if you want to stop a cat that likes to climb. |
|
Lodgepole pine |
Interesting choice, can be uniform shape if grown in the open. Can usually hang decorations near the main stem and still see them. |
|
Douglas-fir |
Traditional choice. |
What Should I do Before Cutting a Tree?
- Make sure that you have chosen the best tree and the size you want.
- Try to leave the bottom one or two branches on the stump of the tree, which may grown into another Christmas tree for future cutting.
- Carry your Christmas Tree Free Use Permit with you as you may be asked to produce it if stopped by a Forest Officer or the RCMP.
- Do not cut a big tree only to use the top portion. This may be a waste of a future tree and the portion left on the area may create a fire hazard.
What Should I do After Cutting a Tree?
- Leave the area as clean as possible.
- Do not leave lower boles and branches of cut trees alongside roads or in ditches.
- Cut them close to the ground and scatter.
- Do not transport your tree outside the Province.
An orderly cutting of Christmas trees without unnecessary waste will help you to enjoy the holiday season and will ensure growing continuous crops of timber for future generations. Thank you for your co-operation.
The staff and management at the Chilcotin Forest District
wish you and your family a safe and joyous holiday season
and a healthy and prosperous New Year.
Your Free Use Christmas Tree Permit for personal use may be downloaded by - clicking here 30 KB
Print off a copy of the permit and remember to keep it with you when you go for your Christmas tree.
|
