Two children hold a cut Christmas tree (U.S. Forest Service photo)
Guidelines for harvesting a Christmas tree in Tongass National Forest have been released by the U.S. Forest Service. There is a limit of one tree per family, and trees cannot be used for commercial purposes.
There are no permits required or regulations on tree species or size requirements however there are some guidelines.
Trees cannot be cut from any developed Forest Service recreation sites. Cutting is prohibited within 330 feet of a bald eagle nest or within 100 feet of a salmon stream or road. Trees should be cut as close to the ground as possible and large trees should not be topped. Trees should not be harvested from muskegs as regeneration in these areas is difficult, the Forest Service says.
Harvest is allowed only in designated areas of the National Forest, and not from private property. Below is a link to maps showing the boundaries of the Tongass.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/maps-pubs/?cid=stelprdb5430063
