BOISE, Idaho — The Boise National Forest has begun selling Christmas tree permits online, at Forest Service offices, and at several businesses throughout southwest Idaho, according to a news release. The permits allow for tree cutting on Boise National Forest lands between Nov. 18 - Dec. 25.
The news release said permits are $10 per tree with a purchase limit of three trees. Online purchases are available here for an additional $2.50 service fee. If purchasing online, you must have the ability to print the permits. Purchasers of permits must be over the age of 18, used for personal use only, and are nonrefundable.
Once a permit is obtained, permit holders must follow the requirements and map that come with their permit. The permits only extend to the Boise National Forest lands. If you have a smartphone and want to use a map without cell service, it can be accessed via the Avenza app.
Be mindful of weather conditions on forest roads, said the release. The higher elevation areas can be covered in snow and ice, and the forest roads are not plowed. Call ahead or check websites for road conditions before heading out, and use extreme caution when driving.
The release states as well that cell service coverage is limited or nonexistent over most of the Boise National Forest, and it's good practice to let a friend or family member know exactly where you are going and when you plan to come back.
The Forest Service partnered with the "Every Kid Outdoors" (EKO) program to provide participating fourth-graders a free Christmas tree permit, said the release. The EKO is a nationwide program promoting the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Fourth-grade students must first go to this site, and complete the application for the voucher. EKO vouchers can be used online or at Forest Service offices, but not at the local businesses that are also selling the permits, said the release.
Tree permits can be purchased beginning Nov. 20 at the following Forest Service offices, provided from the news release:
Interagency Visitor Information Center
1387 S Vinnell Way, Boise, ID
208-373-40000
Open: Mon. through Fri., 8 a.m. to
Mountain Home Ranger District
3080 Industrial Way
Mountain Home, ID
208-587-7961
Open: Mon. through Fri., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Idaho City Ranger District
3833 Hwy. 21,
Idaho City, ID
208-392-3700
Open: Mon. through Fri., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Open weekends of Nov. 25-26, Dec. 2-3, 9-10, and 16-17 from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Emmett Ranger District
1857 Hwy. 16, Suite A
Emmett, ID
208-365-7000
Open: Mon. through Fri., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Lowman Ranger District
7359 Hwy. 21
Lowman, ID
208-259-3361
Open: Mon. through Fri., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cascade Ranger District
540 N Main St.
Cascade, ID
208-382-7400
Open: Mon. through Fri., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Permits can also be purchased at the following businesses beginning Nov. 18:
B & W Fuels
1900 N Washington Ave.
Emmett, ID
208-365-2291
Open: Sun. through Thurs. 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
East Cleveland Beverage and Tackle
2518 E Cleveland
Caldwell, ID
208-459-6442
Open: Daily 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Horseshoe Hardware
110 Foss St.
Horseshoe Bend, ID
208-793-2214
Open: Mon. through Sat. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Garden Valley Market
284 Village Circle
Garden Valley, ID
208-462-3817
Open: Sun. through Thurs. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Ray's Corner Market
445 State Hwy. 55
Horseshoe Bend, ID
208-793-2391
Open: Daily 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Anderson Hardware & Supply
3845 Hwy. 21
Idaho City, ID
208-392-2271
Open: Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except closed on Tuesday
Idaho City Grocery
3868 Hwy. 21
Idaho City, ID
208-392-4426
Open: Mon. 7:40 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tues. through Thurs. 7:40 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 7:00 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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