Administered by the U.S.D.A. Here you will find vast forests, wetlands and rugged bluffs home to a variety of plants and animals. Use this site to purchase your permit, follow tips and guidelines for the cutting area, and ensure you are prepared for a safe and fun forest adventure. Bring a map with you. It is highly recommended for all tourist to the southern Illinois area. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, This is a wonderful location to many wonders of nature. Make sure you do not trespass on private land. The Forest Service has moved permit sales to Recreation.gov as an added convenience for visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In descending order of land area it is located in parts of Pope, Jackson, Union, Hardin, Alexander, Saline, Gallatin, Johnson, and Massac counties. Create special memories by bringing your family to the Shawnee National Forest to cut your own Christmas tree. Carry your tree carefully out of the woods. Dirt roads may become impassable in wet periods.  Park in areas so that traffic can get by safely, and do not block roads or gates. A permit is required to cut a Christmas tree off national forest land. 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. Visit our offices on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, between 8 a.m.— 4:30 p.m. for contact-free customer service. Commercial plant collecting is restricted and requires obtaining a permit from the Shawnee National Forest Supervisors Office. There are very specific rules about where in the forests you can cut the trees. WELCOME to the Shawnee National Forest . Deer Hunting Infomation Illinois - Deer Hunting Guide Illinois - Hunting License and Fees << Need one of these Removing wildlife from the research area isn’t the only activity that will result in law enforcement issuing citations. Some 200 organizations assisted the Forest Service in its upkeep, such as by picking up trash and helping to maintain trails, according to the Shawnee National Forest’s … This format can be viewed within your browser or printed out on your printer. Cell service may be spotty or unavailable. 4 pick up truck loads) to be collected and removed. Don’t get locked out of your car!Â. You must print and bring your Christmas Tree Permit with you. For the first time, the Shawnee National Forest is offering Christmas Tree permits. PDF and HTML Documents: Schedule of Proposed Actions are available on this website in both PDF (Portable Document Format) and HTML page format. This permit allows you to cut a Christmas Tree within designated areas of the Shawnee National Forest! Firewood permits are available throughout the year but permits expire on September 30th. The permit allows for one Eastern Red Cedar tree to be cut and taken home. SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST -- With the cool autumn nights approaching now is the time for people with fireplaces or wood burning stoves to begin procuring firewood.People can gather firewood on the Shawnee National Forest with the purchase of a $20 permit. The Shawnee National Forest. We Offer Contact-free Customer Services. Once home, cut ½ to 1 inch off the bottom of the trunk and place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket of water. Collecting flowers or plants for personal use is allowed on National Forest lands except for designated Wilderness and Natural Areas. Shawnee National Forest. It is a moderate 1.7 mile loop that begins on a paved path through 200 – 300 year old oak trees. Shawnee National Forest Christmas Tree permits are now available for sale! Â. Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/shawnee/passes-permits/forestproducts, Shawnee National Forest Offer Virtual Services. Each forest has limitations on the size of the tree you can cut and the species of trees that are permitted. Permittees must harvest the Eastern Red Cedar on Shawnee National Forest land and chainsaws may be used for cutting the tree. Consider safety, and remove all debris from the road or trail.  Shawnee National Forest motor vehicle restrictions must be followed when removing and hauling the Christmas tree.Â. Southern Illinois is a beautiful spread of country with so many things to see in the Shawnee National Forest Area! The PDF file format allows documents to be saved in one common format that is downloadable by anyone. 2018 International Construction Codes (Building) Contractor's Licensing Program Shawnee Forest Campground is located on the out skirts of Vienna in Southern IL. The leaves on the trees had fallen and there wasn’t a mosquito in sight. Do not cut trees in developed recreation areas (e.g., campgrounds, picnic areas, interpretive areas, observation sites, or trailheads) or within a 150 yard buffer surrounding the recreation site. Pre-Vacation Planning Map (PDF/1024K) Interactive map listing many of the more popular attractions within the forest and linking to more detail. Forest Service, it consists of approximately 280,000 acres (1,100 km²) of federally managed lands. It is the Gateway to the Shawnee.. Shawnee Wine Trai l and The Shawnee National Forest. 93,000 acres of Shawnee National Forest is located in Pope county or simply put; 1/3 of the entire Shawnee Forest is located in Pope County. Permitters must harvest the Eastern Red Cedar on Shawnee National Forest land and chain saws may be used for cutting the tree. Christmas Tree Permits cost only $5.00 and one permit is allowed per household. Beginning November 18 th the Shawnee National Forest will offer the public, for the first time, the opportunity to purchase a Christmas Tree Permit. In the southern tip of Illinois lies the rolling Shawnee Hills where 289,000 acres await you to relax, unwind and explore the Shawnee National Forest. Before you leave home, be sure to measure the space where you plan to place the tree in your home (height and width), and measure the space in your vehicle where you will be transporting the tree. If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height. Christmas trees may be cut along roads and trails, other than those locations restricted above. Each forest has limitations on the size of the tree you can cut and the species of trees that are permitted. When I was a kid growing up in a coal mining community and regularly visiting the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, my heroes were the guys … In the County? For the first time, the Shawnee National Forest is offering Christmas Tree permits. This limitation also applies to National Register Sites (Saline Springs and Millstone Bluff) and along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. In true Griswold family tradition, you can pack your kids into the car, head over the river and through the woods and cut down a Christmas tree in the Shawnee National Forest Christmas tree permits are free for fourth and fifth graders (see below for more info). The U.S. Forest Service Facebook page is a combined effort of the National Forest Foundation and the USDA Forest Service. The permit allows for one pine tree (except bald cypress) to … The cost of a firewood permit is $20 and allows for two cords of firewood (approx. Beginning November 18 th the Shawnee National Forest will offer the public, for the first time, the opportunity to purchase a Christmas Tree Permit. he Shawnee National Forest is famed for its awesome Garden of the Gods, and is home to the Rim Rock Recreational Trail (the forest has a system of 403 miles of equestrian/hiking trails). Don’t rely on GPS because it may not be up-to-date with forest service roads. Interested public must be obtained a firewood permit in person, with identification and vehicle plate number. You must pay for a $5 permit which can be purchased at any USDA Forest … No tree taller than 15 feet may be cut. Â. Known for great hikes, stunning scenery & Bigfoot territory. Youth hunt permits are available over-the-counter, as are archery permits, but only in a limited number of units. U.S. Forest Service - Shawnee National Forest, Harrisburg, Illinois. Pre-Vacation Planning Map (PDF/1024K) Interactive map listing many of the more popular attractions within the forest and linking to more detail. The permit allows for one Eastern Red Cedar tree to be cut and taken home. For the first time, you can cut down a Christmas Tree in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. All of the permit forms may printed using Adobe Acrobat Reader. This format can be viewed within your browser or printed out on your printer. Food Safety A memorable experience, cutting a holiday tree is a special tradition to share with family and friends while helping to maintain a healthy forest. Be sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. 10K likes. Be sure to read the detailed permit information at recreation.gov prior to purchasing your tree permit. Deer Hunting Infomation Illinois - Deer Hunting Guide Illinois - Hunting License and Fees << Need one of these Stone Face, Shawnee National Forest The Oh so Cool Rim Rock National Recreation Trail. We spent five nights touring the area during the late fall. 93,000 acres of Shawnee National Forest is located in Pope county or simply put; 1/3 of the entire Shawnee Forest is located in Pope County. Do not cut trees on private land. The Shawnee National Forest is Illinois’ premier public hunting area and covers 280,000 acres across portions of nine counties. The permit allows one eastern red cedar to be cut for a holiday tree. This Division issues building permits, reviews plans, and conducts building inspections. Building Permit Forms. The PDF file format allows documents to be saved in one common format that is downloadable by anyone. This permit allows you to cut a Christmas Tree within designated areas of the Shawnee National Forest! - Willowbrook Cabins is located in the heart of Pope County, Illinois. Take the whole tree. Firewood Permits. Be aware of road conditions and the capabilities of your vehicle. 4 pick up truck loads) to be collected and removed. Materials, Specifications & Details: Street Light & Traffic Signal Projects; Inspections; Planning a Development. Shawnee National Forest. Do not cut trees within 150 feet of water bodies or in any area of the Forest closed under a Forest Order. Shawnee National Forest Christmas Tree permits available online HARRISBURG, Ill. (KFVS) - The Shawnee National Forest is offering Christmas Tree permits … Permits cost $5 plus a $2.50 online transaction fee. See below to help you measure and choose a tree that meets your permit's guidelines.  On the Shawnee NF: Only Eastern redcedar trees may be cut under this permit. The Shawnee National Forest is the single largest publicly owned land in Illinois and is by far the most popular hunting destination in the entire state. Amazing scenery in Southern Illinois. Permittees must also follow Forest Service motor vehicle restrictions in removal and hauling of their Christmas tree. They only cost $5.00 and each family can only get one permit and one tree per year. Tools you might want to consider bringing with you include a measuring tape to ensure you select a tree that fits in your home and meets the requirements of this permit; handsaw to cut your tree; gloves to protect your hands; boots to protect your feet; a tarp to sit on and/or to move your tree once it's cut; and rope or straps to secure your tree to your vehicle. The stump should be cut no more than 6" above the ground. Lifelong memories are built during these special times, and we are happy to help with any information gathering you'll need to make this trip a safe and enjoyable one. Firewood permits are available throughout the year but permits expire on September 30th. The national forest is also closing its offices to the public and implementing virtual services. The Shawnee National Forest is a United States National Forest located in the Ozark and Shawnee Hills of Southern Illinois, United States. YOU MUST HAVE A PERMIT. Not affiliated with US forest svc Protective clothing and insect spray will help prevent misery. Collection of endangered, threatened, or rare species is prohibited. Create special memories by bringing your family to the Shawnee National Forest to cut your own Christmas tree. Do not just remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree. Hikers are greeted by magnificent jutting walls of rock covered with emerald-green moss, and paths that meander through canyons under the forest canopy. Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect you back.Â. Shawnee State Forest, also called "The Little Smokies of Ohio," has developed into the largest of Ohio's state forests with more than 60,000 acres. The cost will differ between forests so please check with your National Forest office to see what permits they offer. • 2017 National Electrical Code The Building Codes Division is responsible for ensuring that new construction on private property complies with all municipal construction codes. We are a group of volunteers that maintain this page. PDF and HTML Documents: Schedule of Proposed Actions are available on this website in both PDF (Portable Document Format) and HTML page format. Gather only the amount of berries and fruits that will be used; wildlife depends upon such foods for sustenance. Dragging the tree will rub off needles and bark.Â, If the tree is too big to transport inside of your vehicle, wrap it in canvas to prevent wind damage.Â. Usda Forest Service, Illinois. Create special memories by bringing your family to the Shawnee National Forest to cut your own Christmas tree. Remember that a cord of firewood is equal to 128 cubic feet of wood. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Forest headquarters are located in Harrisburg, Illinois. One of our favorite hikes in Shawnee National Forest is the Rim Rock Recreation Trail. Collecting firewood requires a permit which can be purchased at any Shawnee National Forest office. and reservations. Chainsaws can be used in cutting the tree, but trucks, tractors, winches, ATV/UTVs, or other mechanized equipment are not allowed to be used in dragging the tree out. In the County? The Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois is offering a way to enjoy time in the great outdoors while enjoying a Christmas tradition. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. 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