Cutting a Christmas tree in early December is a tradition for many Alaskans who enjoy getting out in the woods and harvesting their own tree.
For many, the tree can be a focal point of holiday decorations. Several retailers sell Christmas trees, however, there are some folks who prefer to venture out to select and cut their own tree. If you are one of those people, the Alaska Division of Forestry provides for this holiday tradition.
Cutting Christmas trees on unrestricted state lands on the Kenai Peninsula is allowed with some stipulations.
No permit or fee is required to cut a tree. Trees must be no more than 15 feet tall and only one tree per household is allowed. Trees should be cut as low to the ground as possible. Christmas trees cut on state land are for personal use only and may not be sold. Please do not litter and be courteous to other tree cutters and/or residents who live in the area.
Cutting of trees is prohibited in state parks and Department of Transportation (DOT) rights-of-way. It is also prohibited on Alaska Native lands and other private property. It is important to properly identify land ownership where you intend to cut your tree. See the maps below for more detailed tree cutting areas. If you have any questions regarding land ownership, consult the Division of Forestry Area office in Soldotna at 907- 260-4200.
Maps of areas that trees may be harvested on the Kenai Peninsula;
Guidelines for safe, legal cutting of Christmas trees on State land identified above:
- No permit or fee is required
- Properly identify land ownership where you intend to cut your tree. If you have any questions regarding land ownership, consult your local Division of Forestry and Fire Protection area office.
- One tree per household
- Personal use only – trees may not be sold
- Trees must be less than 15 feet tall
- Cut whole trees, DO NOT TOP
- Cut stumps as low as possible
- Protect seedlings so we can have future Christmas trees!
- Respect private property
Keep in mind, the Division of Forestry does not maintain forest roads. Anyone traveling on forest roads should have appropriate gear and equipment in the event they become stuck. This includes tire chains, a shovel, tow strap and warm clothing.
For more information, contact the Alaska Division of Forestry, Kenai/Kodiak Area Office, Mile 92.5 Sterling Highway at 907-260-4200.
There are other public lands in the on the Kenai Peninsula where cutting of Christmas trees is allowed. To find out more information about cutting trees in the Chugach National Forest, call 907-743-9500 or go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/chugach/home/. For information about cutting trees in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, call 907-262-7021 or go to https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kenai/. For information about cutting trees in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, call 907-714-2205 or go to https://www.kpb.us/.