Local News

Christmas Tree Tags Now Available for the Colville National Forest

Nov 10, 2020

It is time to get your tag so you can start harvesting your tree November 20, 2020 on the over 1.5 million acres of the Colville National Forest, which now includes the Tonasket Ranger District. With the offices across the Forest still being closed to walk in visitation, this year's permits will be available at Recreation.gov, for $5.00 with a $2.50 processing fee, or from one of our local vendors for $5.00 (see vendors below). Please note there is still a two-tree maximum per family. We will continue the tradition of a free Christmas tree tag to all our 4th graders, but this year will also extend it to 5th graders. 5th graders can obtain a voucher through Recreation.gov or by going online to https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm.

4th graders tags can be obtained by calling your local Colville National Forest Service District Office. Offices are available by phone Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with phone numbers available at our home page, https://www.fs.usda.gov/colville.

Permits are available at the following locations:

• North 40 – Mead, Omark, Colville, Spokane Valley, Washington

• Okanogan Arms – Okanogan, Washington

• Akins Fresh Market – Oroville, Washington

• The Junction – Tonasket, Washington

• Harding’s Hardware – Republic, Washington

• Kettle Ture Value – Kettle Falls, Washington

• Hartill’s Mountain Saw & Tractor – Chewelah, Washington

• Porter’s Plaza – Ione, Washington

• North Ridge Outfitters – Oldtown, Idaho

Weather conditions change frequently, and we encourage all those planning on cutting their own tree to do proper research before leaving home. All trees must be harvested at least 50 feet from Forest Service Roads and 150 feet of state highways, picnic areas, designated campgrounds and recreation sites, or other developed areas, such as recreation cabins and organization camps. It is recommended that you bring a sled along to help transport your tree from the cut site to your car.

For any additional questions feel free to contact the Colville National Forest online, or call (509) 684-7000. For the most current updates about the Colville National Forest, please follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/colvillenf/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/Colville_NF.