Those who wish to make the trip “up north” are being invited by the Wisconsin DNR to cut their own Christmas Tree from one of Wisconsin’s northern State Forests. Trees are available to be cut down in the Black River, Brule River, Flambeau River, Governor Earl Peshtigo River, Governor Knowles and northern Highland-American Legion State Forests. DNR Lands Specialist Teague Prichard said that “We’re pleased to welcome people who want to make the northern state forests part of their holiday tradition.”
Anyone taking up the offer must first obtain a permit onsite at the forest headquarters. Although prices might vary, the average cost is $5 per tree, and flresh evergreen boughs may also be harvested with a non-commercial forest products permit. Balsam Firs abound and are often the tree-of-choice, although the DNR says various pines are also taken home. There are a few restrictions to keep in mind: harvesting is prohibited within 100 feet or visual distance of roads, trails and water, and harvesting is not allowed from campgrounds or day-use areas. Trees must be cut at ground level with a maximum height of 30 feet, and the trees taken from state forests can’t be sold. Holiday tree cutting is NOT offered at state parks, southern state forests and other DNR properties, however many county forests offer non-commercial harvest, as does the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
More information is available from the DNR’s Forest Products Permits webpage.
