Bring home a tradition

Cutting your own Christmas Tree is a great way to create lasting memories with family and friends. The Custer Gallatin Forest is offering tree permits in a variety of ways this holiday season.

Permits are good Forest-wide on the Custer Gallatin National Forest, except at cabins, campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, wilderness, within 100 feet of main roads, streams, or wetlands, natural landmarks, timber sales and areas where trees have been planted for reforestation purposes.

You can obtain a permit either in person at your local Ranger District office during business hours or online at recreation.gov. There is a limit of 3 trees per household with the permit. The process is designed to be quick and convenient for everyone. This year, permits are priced at $5, plus a $2.50 processing fee for online purchases. Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass http://www.everykidoutdoors.gov are eligible for Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit online. Kids of all ages can download, color, and decorate their tree with this Christmas tree ornament coloring page for a fun, handmade addition to their tree.