Christmas Tree Permit

Authorizaton to cut Christmas trees:

Any person who is 19 years or older and resides in British Columbia is allowed to cut his/her own Christmas tree free of charge from Crown lands with the permission of a Forest Officer. Persons having trees suitable for Christmas trees on their private land(s) will not qualify for this permission. You can apply to the local Forest District Office in your area, to be issued a letter of authority to cut Christmas Trees for personal use. In the Kamloops Forest District, this letter of authority is provided on the internet for you including the signature and permission of a Forest Officer. Please print this form, read the form carefully, place your signature in the space titled 'permittee signature' thereby agreeing to abide by the terms in this permit, then carry your Letter of Authority with you when cutting your Christmas tree. You must be able to produce your authorization upon the request of a Forest Officer or a Conservation Officer. The penalties for not adhering to the Letter of Authority conditions could include a fine or seizure of the tree.

Authority to cut Christmas Trees for personal use in the Kamloops Forest Distict:

2008 Christmas Tree Permit (Print & Sign)

Overview map of Crown Land in Kamloops District
Region and District Administrative Boundaries (pdf map of BC)

Some criteria for cutting Christmas Trees: (Please see permit for specific requirements.)

You are allowed to cut one tree per family.
Cutting Christmas trees free of charge is strictly for personal use- you are not allowed to sell them.
All trees must be less than 3 metres (10 feet) in height.
Cut the tree as close to the ground level as possible so no live branches are left on the stump.
Do not leave a pointed stump as this may cause injury to cattle or wildlife.
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 will create a fire hazard.
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.

Species of trees: (Usually Douglas fir on dry sites produces the best Christmas tree.)

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.

Safety:

Be prepared for winter conditions on roads. Many Forest Service Roads will have heavy industrial traffic (logging trucks), even on weekends.
If planning to cut trees from BC Hydro easements, please read and honour the following guidelines provided by BC Hydro for your safety and environmental protection:

Do not cut or remove any trees that may be within 7 metres (20 feet) of an electrical conductor. Take special care when travelling or cutting in the vicinity of electrical works such as towers, poles, transformers and guy wires. You are responsible for all damages.
Cut all trees off flat with the stump no higher than 4 inches (10 centimeters). Clean up and remove all debris and slash associated with your activity.
Leave all access roads in good condition.
You are fully responsible for yourself and anyone who is with you.