Carson National Forest issues 2.50 dollar fee waiver for fourth graders

Carson National Forest in New Mexico opens its online Christmas tree permit sales on Thursday, Nov. 12. The forest manages this seasonal activity through the Recreation.gov platform, requiring users to create or log into an account to finalize transactions.

Sales begin at the start of the business day on the 12th. Customers can also purchase permits in person at any forest office during standard business hours. The online system provides a map interface that displays designated cutting areas, specific dates for access, and the species of trees available for selection.

Fourth-grade students holding an Every Kid Outdoors pass qualify for a complimentary permit. These buyers enter their pass or voucher number at checkout to waive the standard cost. However, the transaction still incurs a $2.50 reservation fee. This program targets students in the fourth grade who hold the specific pass issued by the U.S. Forest Service.

Forest officials explain that the permit system serves a dual purpose: it allows families to collect trees while supporting long-term forest health. The program focuses on thinning dense stands of small-diameter trees in designated zones. Removing these smaller trees creates space for larger trees to grow and opens up ground cover that provides forage for local wildlife.

The forest directs buyers to the Recreation.gov Christmas Tree Permit page for the most current information. Additional resources include a help center article on purchasing and printing permits and a general guide on cutting trees for the holidays. The Every Kid Outdoors Fourth Grade Pass program page lists eligibility details for the free permit benefit.