Enjoying the fresh air while hiking the forest in search of the perfect Christmas tree, can be a wonderful way to begin the holiday season. Create special memories by bringing your family to the Shawnee National Forest to cut your own Christmas tree. For families interested in creating new traditions, a trip to the Shawnee forest to cut their own Christmas tree is the perfect opportunity to discover nature, while enjoying time together in search of the perfect holiday tree. A permit is required to cut a Christmas tree off national forest land. To purchase a Christmas tree permit go to recreation.gov.  The permit allows one eastern red cedar, loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, or white pine to be cut. Permits cost $5 plus a $2.50 online transaction fee. Permittees must harvest the tree on Shawnee National Forest land and chainsaws may be used for cutting the tree. Permittees must also follow Forest Service motor vehicle restrictions in removal and hauling of their Christmas tree. Trees cannot be cut from any restricted areas listed on the permit.   Be sure to read the detailed permit information at recreation.gov prior to purchasing your tree permit. Cutting a Christmas tree can also help improve forest health. The permit system helps to thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Removing some cedar trees allows more available nutrients and extra space to grow for the trees that are left standing. Opening up groves of cedar trees can also improve foraging habitat for a variety of wildlife species.