Calgary Forest Area

Calgary Forest Area - December 01, 2025

Christmas tree cutting permits for personal use

It is the time of year when Albertans hunt for the perfect tree to backdrop holiday celebrations.  To cut your own Christmas tree from Alberta's public forests, you will require a Personal Use Forest Products Permit (PUFPP). PUFPP are free and are for small-scale personal use only (no re-sale) for Christmas trees, firewood or transplants. The PUFPP allows you to harvest up to three Christmas trees from designated areas on Crown land.  Maps are available to help you find a suitable location and permits can be requested online or by phoning (403) 297-8800.

Even within designated areas, there are some sites that are off-limits. This includes within 30 metres of a stream or river and within 100 metres of a lake. You cannot harvest Christmas trees from facilities such as roadside turnouts, viewpoints, recreation areas or campgrounds.

Remember:

• each tree you harvest must be less than 2.5 metres tall, or about 8 feet.
• you will need to have a digital or printed copy of your permit with you at all times when harvesting and transporting your Christmas trees (accessing email may not be possible).
• these permits are strictly for personal use, with no re-sale allowed.
• do not cut the tops of trees that are taller than 2.5 metres to use as your tree.

Be sure to obtain your permit early, while you have internet access as you may need technical assistance or have other questions. And please be safe! Let someone know when you are heading out, where you plan to cut and what time you plan to be back. Cell service can be unreliable in the forest and snow much deeper than at home. Road conditions are variable; take extra winter clothing and emergency supplies.

Winter burning reminders

If you plan to burn this winter, we encourage you to follow our winter burning guidelines. These include waiting until there is a good snow cover (more than 15 cm), burning in stages so it's more manageable, consulting your local municipality and ensuring your fire is properly managed and fully extinguished. 

Winter burning can also cause dangerous driving conditions when smoke lingers in the air, since smoke can stay close to the ground and travel great distances on cold days. The ideal conditions for burning are typically days with average temperatures and minimal wind. Please follow safe burning practices.

Wildfire situation

There are currently three active wildfires in the Calgary Forest Area. They are all classified as under control and firefighters will be working towards extinguishment.

Since January 1, 2025, there have been 73 wildfires in the Calgary Forest Area which have burned over 67 hectares.

For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size and statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.