CHRISTMAS TREE CUTTING PERMIT
It is the time of year when Albertans hunt for the perfect tree to backdrop holiday celebrations. To cut your own Christmas tree from Alberta’s public forests, you will require a Personal Use Forest Products Permit, or PUFPP. The PUFPP allows you to harvest up to three Christmas trees from designated areas on Crown land. There is no cost to get a PUFPP and you can easily obtain it online.
Your PUFPP only allows harvesting in designated areas. Even within these designated areas, there are some sites that are off-limits. They include within 30 metres of a stream or river, and within 100 metres of a lake. You cannot harvest a Christmas tree from facilities such as roadside turnouts, viewpoints, recreation areas or campgrounds.
Harvesting Christmas trees in Alberta provincial parks and recreation areas is strictly prohibited and carries a large fine. The only exception is designated areas in Cypress Hills Provincial Park and the Castle parks with a valid permit from Alberta Parks.
Remember:
- Each tree you harvest must be less than 2.5 metres tall, or about eight feet.
- You will need to have a digital or printed copy of your permit with you at all times when harvesting and transporting your Christmas trees (accessing email may not be possible).
- This permit is strictly for personal use, with no re-sale allowed.
- Do not cut the tops of trees that are taller than 2.5 metres to use as your tree.
If you’re planning to head out to harvest your own tree, be sure to obtain your permit early; you may require technical assistance or have other questions. Lastly, be safe! Let someone know when you are heading out, where you plan to cut, and what time you plan to be back. Cell service can be unreliable in the forest, and the snow can be much deeper than at home. Road conditions are variable; take extra winter clothing and emergency supplies.
For more information or to obtain a Personal Use Forest Products Permit (PUFPP) to cut your own Christmas tree, visit alberta.ca/tree-cutting.aspx.
HAVE A SAFE WINTER
Updates will only be posted and distributed over the winter months if warranted. The 2024 wildfire season will begin March 1, 2024 and you can expect regular updates to resume then.
MORE INFORMATION:
Anastasia Drummond
403-818-0938
io.calgary@gov.ab.ca
RELATED INFORMATION
Websites:
- Alberta Wildfire
- Alberta Fire Bans
- FireSmart in Alberta
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Air Quality Health Index
- Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation
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