Mt. Hood National Forest Christmas tree permits are now available online at recreation.gov and at a number of local vendors.  Permits cost $5 per tree with a limit of five per household, while those purchased online are charged an additional $2.50 service fee per purchase.  Trees can be as tall as 15 feet and must grow within 12 feet of another tree.  Cutting trees is prohibited along all highways, in designated wildernesses, in the Bull Run and The Dalles Watersheds, within active timber sales, and other areas closed to public entry.  Permits purchased online at Recreation.gov must be printed and displayed on the vehicle dashboard to be valid. Recreation.gov charges an additional $2.50 service fee per purchase.  Fourth-grade students with an “Every Kid Outdoors” pass are eligible for one free Christmas tree.  Students can get their free permit online at Recreation.gov or by bringing their pass or voucher to a district office.  Local venders include Dufur Market, Tum-A-Lum Lumber in Hood River and The Dalles, and The Way Station in Tygh Valley, along with the Hood River Ranger District office in Parkdale and the Barlow Ranger District office in Dufur.