The deadline is fast approaching for those who want to cut a Christmas tree on an Arizona national forest. Applications for a tree-cutting permit are currently available & must be postmarked by Oct. 1st.
Since the demand for Christmas trees exceeds the supply of available permits, a random drawing is performed. A completed application must be mailed to the address provided on the application & postmarked no later than Oct. 1st. Any application postmarked after the deadline will be returned to the sender. Hand-delivered applications will not be accepted.
After the drawing and processing of applications is completed, all successful & unsuccessful applicants will be notified by mail no later than Oct. 19th. The notice will request that tag winners send a check or money order for $10 to the program office in order to receive a tag with a detailed map for the cutting area. Tag winners must make payment no later than Nov. 1st. Unclaimed tags will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis beginning Nov. 13th.
For additional info, contact the Christmas Tree Hotline at: (602) 225-5258. Information about the Arizona National Forests’ Sale-by-Mail Christmas Tree Program can be also be found at fs.fed.us/r3/tonto.
Application forms are available on the Tonto NF website, at all Az. Forest Service offices, & at more than 30 locations valley-wide. Check for application locations on the Tonto National Forest website.