British Columbians, did you know that your province allows each of you (as long as you are an adult) to cut down a Christmas tree from Crown land for free each year?

How to do it: First of all, you must be 19 years old or older and a British Columbia resident. But provided you meet those requirements, you can print off a Christmas Tree Permit (also referred to as a “Free Use permit” — you download it from a government website (here’s a link to more information about permits) and you’re good to go.

You don’t need to send your permit in or get it approved or anything like that. You just fill it out and carry it with you. If a Forest Official asks you about cutting down the tree strapped to the roof of your vehicle, you are to show them your permit.

You should also know that although every British Columbian adult can take a Christmas tree, that doesn’t mean you can get them in every region. Some regions don’t have any available for harvest. Most likely, if you live in a densely-populated city, like Chilliwack, you’ll have to drive out to another region to cut down a tree.

Also, in most areas the government restricts where you can cut down a tree, even on Crown land. Hydro areas, the sides of logging roads, and open range lands are common areas where harvesting is allowed.

In order to find out where you can get a tree, you can call your local government office and ask them (get their number from internet search, the phone book, or the link above). If they direct you to another region, you can then call that other region and ask them where you can cut down a Christmas tree there.

Another thing to note: The best trees grow on dry, rocky sites or south slopes, according to the Ministry of Forests.

Photo by: Madereugeneandrew