Arizona national forests to roll out Christmas tree permit sales

PHOENIX — As the holiday season approaches, Christmas tree permits will start going on sale this week for the national forests in Arizona.

The permits can be purchased online beginning Thursday for the Kaibab, Prescott and Apache-Sitgreaves national forests.

Permits go on sale for Tonto National Forest Nov. 9 and for Coconino National Forest on Nov. 10.

Each permit will cost $15 with the exception of Prescott National Forest, which costs $20.

The Coconino, Prescott and Tonto national forests allow one tree per customer, while the Kaibab National Forest allows up to five and the Apache-Sitgreaves allows up to three.

People will be able to begin cutting down their trees at various dates.

Trees can be cut down starting on Oct. 13 in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, followed by Prescott and Kaibab (Nov. 1), Coconino (Nov. 18) and Tonto (Nov. 19).

The time allowed to cut the trees runs through Dec. 31 for the national forests with the exception of Prescott, which ends Dec. 24.

Tree cutters are reminded to carefully read the overview before purchasing a permit as some sites have tree height limits and designated areas for cutting.

Visitors are also advised to be aware of changing weather conditions during their trip.

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