The Basics for cutting down a Christmas Tree in a Wisconsin Forest
The Basics for Cutting Down a Christmas Tree in a Wisconsin Forest
If you’re considering cutting down a Christmas tree this year, consider the following Information: The Basics for cutting down a Christmas tree in a Wisconsin forest.
In many of Wisconsin’s public woods, you are permitted to cut down a Christmas tree for your own use as long as you get a permit and abide by certain regulations.
If you want to cut down a tree in a state forest, you need a non-commercial forest products permit. They cost $5 and are available at select ranger stations. The DNR advises you to call ahead to see if the station is open and offering permits before you head out.
The permit allows you to cut one tree up to 15 feet tall, that is at least 100 feet from a trail or public road. You cannot cut trees in public-use areas, such as campgrounds and picnic areas. But you can park at one of those spots and follow a trail into the forest, then hike off the trail to find your tree. Remember that private lands are interspersed with public lands, so you should pick up a map of the forest when you get your permit and talk to the staff there about the best place to find a tree.
Remember that a lot of state forest lands are open to hunting, so wear blaze orange when you’re out. Hunting is restricted in certain trail and campground areas, so those might be safer places to look for a tree.
No matter where you go, call the contact station before you head out to make sure someone will be there to issue a permit. Many stations have limited hours and staff this time of year.
Here is a list of a few places where you can cut down your tree:
Black River State Forest, Black River Falls: This forest in Jackson County has three species of pine — Jack, red, and white — but no spruce or fir trees. Castle Mound Ranger Station, W10325 Highway 12, (715) 284-4103.
Brule River State Forest, Brule: Evergreens in this forest in Douglas County include white pine, white spruce, and balsam fir. 6250 South Ranger Road, Brule, (715) 372–5678.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, northern Wisconsin: There are plenty of balsam firs throughout this 1.5-million-acre national forest, but you’ll have better luck in its eastern half, near the forest headquarters in Rhinelander. The western parts of the forest are the place to find pines.
everykidoutdoors.gov. Permits are available at the forest headquarters, 500 Hanson Lake Road, Rhinelander, or any of the ranger stations, including 1247 E. Wall St., Eagle River; 5638 Forestry Drive, Florence; 22223 Highway 13, Glidden; 10650 Nyman Ave., Hayward; 15085 Highway 32, Lakewood; 4978 Highway 8, Laona; 850 N. Eighth St., Medford; 1170 S. Fourth Ave., Park Falls; and 113 Bayfield St., Washburn. Call (715) 362-1300 or see fs.usda.gov/cnnf.
Flambeau River State Forest, Winter: Look for white and black spruce, red and white pine, and balsam fir at this forest in Sawyer and Rusk counties just south of the CNNF. W1613 County Road W, Winter, (715) 332-5271.
Governor Earl Peshtigo River, Crivitz: Red, white, and jack pines are the predominant evergreens in this forest in Marinette and Oconto counties in northeastern Wisconsin. N10008 Paust Lane, Crivitz, 715-757-3965
You may not require an Arborist to help you cut down your Christmas tree, we are here to assist you with any concerns you may have in your landscape. Call Johnson Ops Tree Care for an assessment at 608 526-6297.
