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Christmas tree permits

Last updated on October 3, 2024

Members of the public who wish to cut a Christmas Tree on Crown land for personal use must have a Free Use Permit for a Christmas Tree from each Natural Resource District where they intend to cut, signed by the appropriate District Manager or designate.

Each district is operated differently so please contact the individual districts where you plan on cutting for more information, and remember to carry your permit with you at all times.

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What you need to know

There is no charge for the permit, however permittees must:

  • Carry the permit at all times
  • Read and understand the conditions of the permit prior to signing
  • Produce the permit at the request of a Natural Resource Officer, Conservation Officer or Peace Officer

Please be aware that some areas of the province may not have Christmas trees available for harvest. In addition, you cannot cut a Christmas tree from, private lands, plantations, research areas, parks, areas adjacent to rivers, streams, lakes or swamps, juvenile-spaced areas and any other areas reserved for a special use.

 

Safety and natural resource roads

Natural resource roads are typically one-lane or two-lane gravel roads built for industrial purposes to access natural resources in remote areas. 

Leave home prepared - bring ropes, gloves, tools, tire chains, a first aid kit, phone and warm clothing.

Drive carefully - be prepared for logging trucks (PDF) 

Most forest service roads and natural resource roads are radio-assisted, but not all roads are radio-controlled. Road users are reminded not to drive exclusively according to the radio.

If you have a question or require further information, contact your local natural resource district office.

 

Pet safety

Keep your pet safe! Remember that:

  • Trapping seasons for wildlife in B.C. primarily run from fall to spring
  • You may encounter traps in rural and forested areas 
  • Areas with traps may be marked by “active trapping” signs, but signs are not required
  • It is dangerous and illegal to tamper with a legally set trap
  • Some traps are a danger to pets if caught
  • To reduce risk from traps, keep pets on leash in rural areas and limit travel off of active and maintained trails and roads
  • If your pet is caught in a trap that you are unable to release, contact the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

 

Permits listed by region

To determine which district you are interested in a permit from, refer to the district/region map.

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Northeast

Fort Nelson (no online permit)

Peace permit (PDF, 94KB)

 

Omineca

 

Skeena

 

Cariboo

 

Kootenay - Boundary

 

Thompson - Okanagan

 

South Coast

 

West Coast

 

 

Most permits allow only one tree to be cut.

  • Do: Pick the perfect tree before cutting
  • Do: Ensure it fits on your vehicle to avoid trimming
  • Do: Cut cleanly at the base
  • Don't: Leave unsafe, pointed stumps
  • Don't: Leave debris to fuel summer fires