Information on Cutting Free Christmas Trees for Personal Use

Valid from November 15th to December 31st

Cutting area is in the vicinity of Campbell Lake / Rock Bay (just north of Campbell River)

On this page …

How Can I Apply?

Where do I cut a Tree?

Are There Areas Where I Must Not Cut Christmas Trees?

How Many Trees Can I Cut?

What Species of Tree Should I Cut?

What Should I do Before Cutting a Tree?

What Should I do After Cutting a Tree?

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Map of cutting area

How Can I Apply?

To apply on-line, click here. You may also apply at your local forest district office. The forest officer may issue a letter of authorization and will provide you with the information and a sketch map of the area(s), if necessary, where you can cut a tree. Carry your letter of authorization with you as you may be asked to produce it.

Where do I Cut a Tree?

The Christmas Tree cutting area is in the vicinity of Campbell Lake / Rock Bay (just north of Campbell River). For a map of the designated cutting area, click here. You may also obtain a map at your local forest district office.

Are There Areas Where I Must Not Cut Christmas Trees?

Yes, you cannot cut a Christmas tree from:

· Private lands

· Plantations

· Research areas

· Parks

· Watersheds

· Juvenile-spaced areas

· Any other areas alienated or reserved for a special use

How Many Trees Can I Cut?

You are allowed to cut the number of trees specified on the permit, at the time you pick it up, up
to a maximum of 1 tree per family. Cutting Christmas trees free of charge is strictly for
personal use. You are not allowed to sell them. Failure to comply is an unauthorized harvest
on Crown land under Section 52(1)(a) of the Forest and Range Practices Act. Unauthorized cutting may be further subject to prosecution under the Criminal Code of Canada.

What Species of Tree Should I Cut?

Usually Douglas-fir on dry sites produces the best Christmas trees. However, lodgepole pine, spruce, balsam and other evergreen trees may be designated for cutting where Douglas-fir is not available.

What Should I do Before Cutting a Tree?

M Make sure you have chosen the best tree and the size you want.

· Try to leave the bottom one or two branches on the stump of the tree, which may grow
into another Christmas tree for future cutting.

· Do not cut a big tree only to use the top portion. This may be a waste of a future tree
and the portion left on the area will create a fire hazard.

What Should I do After Cutting a Tree?

Leave the area as clean as possible.

· Do not leave lower boles and branches of cut trees alongside roads or in the ditches. Lop them close to the ground and scatter.

· Do not transport your tree outside the province.

Careful cutting of Christmas tree(s) without unnecessary waste will ensure continuous crops of Christmas trees for future generations.

Thank you for your co-operation.

The staff and management at Campbell River Forest District wish you and your family a safe and joyous holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year.