PORTLAND, Ore. -- Economy got you down? Save a few dollars by cutting your own holiday tree this year!

AP File

A family carries a Christmas tree off a farm.

The U.S. Forest Service has announced that its offices throughout Oregon are selling permits to harvest Christmas trees from several national forests.

The Mt. Hood National Forest began selling personal use Christmas tree cutting permits Monday for $5, with a limit of five permits per household.

Trees up to 12' tall can be cut. Forest Rangers will direct permit holders toward ideal areas.

Permits for Mt. Hood trees can be purchased at the following locations:

Mt. Hood National Forest Headquarters, 16400 Champion Way, Sandy
Barlow Ranger District, 780 Court St., Dufur (15 miles south of The Dalles)
Kramers Market, Dufur
Clackamas River Ranger District, 595 NW Industrial Way, Estacada
Hood River Ranger District, 6780 Hwy 35, Mt. Hood-Parkdale
Mt. Hood Country Store, Hwy 35, north of ranger station
Zig Zag Ranger District, 70220 E. Hwy 26, Zig Zag
The Feed Shack, 2315 E. 2nd Ave., The Dalles

The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is also selling permits at local ranger stations in the Baker City area.

Permits for the Ochoco and Deschutes National Forests will be sold at ranger stations and also at retail outlets in Bend, Camp Sherman, La Pine, Madras, Paulina, Prineville, Redmond, Sisters and Terrebonne.

Last year, about 7,000 tree permits were sold in Central Oregon, according to the Bureau of Land Management.

The permits can be purchased for $5 at Forest Service offices and at some retail outlets. A validated permit must be attached to each tree that is transported, with a maximum of five trees per household.

Trees shorter than 12’ may be harvested from national forests, with a permit. However, trees may not be harvested from Forest Service nurseries and plantations or within 150 feet of highways or 300 feet of streams.

Officials recommend people use national forest maps to stay off private property and to hike or cross-country ski at a safe distance from roads when collecting trees.

Pine trees are prevalent near Bend and Sisters at lower elevations. Firs and cedars can be located in higher country.

Near Prineville, pines grow on south and west slopes, whereas whereas firs and cedars typically grow on slopes facing north or east. 

Forest Service officials recommend that harvesters check weather and road conditions before departing, dress warmly, and head out into the backcountry prepared. Carry a tool to cut the tree, a shovel and tire chains. Be prepared for rain, snow and icy conditions, and tell a family member of your trip plans and location.

Christmas tree permits should be secured to the tree trunk between limbs during transport.

Forestry officials recommend traveling in high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles with traction devices.

The National Forests will be open through the holiday season, except for federal holiday closures on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.