GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Christmas will be here before you know it, and you can get ready by buying a permit to get your tree from the Huron-Manistee National Forests.

The permits can be purchased from the U.S. Department of Agriculture online at recreation.gov or in person at national forest district offices between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday through Dec. 24.

Permits cost $5 per tree, with a maximum of five trees. If you have an Every Kid Outdoors pass/voucher, you get one permit free.

The USDA says that about 500 people each year get their tree from the Manistee National Forest, which stretches from Manistee to Cadillac south to around Newaygo, or the Huron National Forest in northeastern Michigan, near Oscoda.

“For families creating new traditions, a trip to the national forests to cut their own Christmas tree may be a thrilling experience as they discover the joy of hiking through the forest in search of the perfect holiday centerpiece,” Deputy Forest Supervisor Sierra Dawkins said.

Clearing some trees — with a height limit of 20 feet — also helps keep the forest healthy, the USDA said.

“Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas
that provide food for wildlife,” Dawkins explained.

Conifers may be cut after a few hard frosts send evergreens into winter dormancy, with the harvesting period ending Dec. 31. The USDA has maps online showing where they may be taken from.