Get your Christmas Tree-cutting Permit for Lincoln National Forest
PERMITS GO ON SALE NOV. 17, 2025
Christmas tree permits for the Lincoln National Forest are now available for the 2025 holiday season. Permits can be purchased online through December 31 at Recreation.gov, and in person at district offices in Ruidoso and Cloudcroft beginning November 17.
Each $10 permit allows visitors to harvest one tree from designated areas within the forest. A $2.50 service fee applies to online transactions. Tree cutting and removal with a valid permit may also begin on November 17.
In-person permit sales are available Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the Ruidoso and Cloudcroft district offices. All offices will be closed on Thursday, November 27, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Fourth-grade students with a valid Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit, which can be obtained by entering their pass or voucher number when purchasing online. (Standard online service fee applies.)
Before heading out, visitors should carefully review all information on Recreation.gov, including cutting area maps, tree requirements, safety guidance, and current forest alerts. Designated cutting areas, allowed species, and additional trip-planning resources are available online.
For more information, visit these online resources:
• Recreation.gov Christmas Tree Permit page with map interface
• Help Center article “How Do I Purchase and Print a Christmas Tree Permit?”
• Cut a Tree for the Holidays from Your National Forest article
• Every Kid Outdoors Fourth Grade Pass program
• Lincoln National Forest Christmas Tree Permits Page
For more information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln
Christmas Tree Cutting Guidelines
How tall of a tree may I cut?
The tree may not exceed 10 feet in height. Remember to take an axe or saw to cut your tree.
How many permits may I purchase?
Permit sales are limited to one tree per household.
What will happen if I cut a tree without my permit?
You could be fined and your tree confiscated.
Where can I cut a tree?
Trees may be cut anywhere on US Forest Service lands except within wilderness areas, within 300 feet of a recreation site (campgrounds, developed trails, etc.) and/or within 100 feet of a paved road. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are on Forest Service lands and not on private land. A small map comes with your permit and is also available at www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln; however, a more detailed visitor map is available for purchase at any Lincoln National Forest office. A free Motor Vehicle Use Map is also available at any of our offices.
May I dig up a tree with this permit?
Yes. You may dig up a tree if you fill in the hole by caving in the sides and scraping in material from the surrounding area.
How do I display my permit?
If you have a sticky tag purchased from one of our offices, peel off the paper backing and fold the tag securely over onto itself around one of the lower branches. Alternatively, if you purchased your permit online, please print and place the permit so that it is clearly visible on the dashboard of your vehicle with the tree-cutting date field(s) completed.
Can I cut the top out of a tree?
No. You may not cut out a portion of the tree. The entire tree must be cut at the base of the tree as low to the ground as possible.
Can I get a refund if I do not use my permit?
All sales are final. No refunds will be made, even if adverse weather conditions prevent you from reaching a cutting area. No replacement will be made for lost permits.
Safety Tips:
• Dress warmly – it does get cold in the mountains.
• Start out with a full tank of gas.
• Carry blankets, matches and extra food in case of an emergency.
• Certain areas of the forest may have snowfall and travelers should be prepared with four-wheel-drive vehicles, chains and winter equipment as needed.
• Check the weather forecast before you leave home. The weather in the mountains can change suddenly and make your chosen area inaccessible.
• Be prepared to walk a slight distance to find your perfect tree.
