Interested in cutting down your own Christmas tree?
B.C. residents are to obtain their permit online or contact their local district or FrontCounter BC office.
Local district offices can provide details about specific cutting
requirements and approved harvest areas. Free use permits are provided for
personal use only — selling a tree cut under a Christmas tree permit or
cutting in an unauthorized area is illegal.
When cutting a Christmas tree, keep the following tips in mind:
* Leave home prepared. Bring ropes, gloves, tools, tire chains, a first aid kit, a mobile phone and warm clothing.
* Drive carefully. Be prepared for logging trucks: http://www.bcforestsafe.org/files/tk_pdfs/gde_resrd.pdf
* Make sure you have found the tree you will use before cutting to avoid
wasting forest resources. Some permits specify only one tree can be cut.
* Choose a tree that can be cut near the base and is easy to transport.
Wasted tree remains left in the forest form a summer fire hazard.
* Clean up and remove all debris associated with your activity.
No permits are available in the Chilliwack and South Island districts due to
population density and tree demand.
Visit the ministry's Christmas Tree website at: https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/xmastrees.htm which provides links to online
permits, FrontCounter BC and district office contact information, and the B.C. Christmas Tree Council's website containing a list of tree farms and "U-Cuts" around the province.