How and where to cut your Christmas Tree for 2018

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit began the sale of Christmas tree permits on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018. Permits to cut Christmas trees on the Carson and Bridgeport Ranger Districts of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest have been available since Nov. 1.

Permit holders may choose from a variety of pine, fir or cedar trees up to six inches in diameter (at the base) in designated cutting areas. Permits must be purchased in person, are not transferable and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Permits will be issued during regular business hours while supplies last. Cutting under these permits will be allowed until December 31, to accommodate military families and others who may need to celebrate a delayed Christmas.

Meanwhile, permits to cut Christmas trees on the Carson and Bridgeport Ranger Districts of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest have been available since Nov. 1. The U.S. Forest Service Christmas Tree Program is designed for families, businesses, and institutions wishing to cut their own trees for decorating.

Christmas tree permits must be purchased in person and are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis for $10 each, with a limit of two trees per household. Permits are nonrefundable and nontransferable, and only valid through Dec. 25, 2018.

The Ranger Districts have a limited amount of Christmas tree permits available, and once those allotted permits are sold, no more will be available. Each Christmas tree permit is valid for the cutting of one tree on lands managed by the Ranger District for which the permit was purchased.

A map and cutting rules and regulations will be included with the permit. The permit does not authorize cutting on private, state, or other federal lands. Christmas trees also cannot be harvested within developed campgrounds, administrative sites, or designated wilderness areas. Although the entire Carson Ranger District is open to cutting, access may be limited due to seasonal road closures.

The topping of Christmas trees has created problems in previous years by leaving behind high tree stumps. Please ensure that the maximum height of the stump left behind is no taller than six inches above bare soil with no live branches left on the stump. Also attach the Christmas tree permit securely to the tree so it is visible during transportation.

“Keep your family and your own safety in mind as you head out to look for a Christmas tree on National Forest lands,” said Vegetation Program Manager, Duncan Leao. “Dress warmly and bring along a saw, shovel, map, snacks, and water. Also, make sure relatives or friends know where you are going and when to expect you home.”

Getting your tree early before the snow falls usually means better access on Forest roads. High-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and traction devices are recommended when driving on mountain roads at this time of year.

Vehicles with inadequate tires and/or no chains have caused extensive problems in the past, blocking roads and preventing other drivers from being able to enter or leave the cutting areas. Remember, most Forest roads are not plowed in the winter. Leave early in the day to allow for maximum daylight. Be prepared for unpredictable weather, check road conditions before leaving, and always use caution when emerging onto main roads.

The Carson Ranger District main office is located at 1536 Carson Street in Carson City. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The permits will be available until sold out.

In support of the Every Kid in a Park (EKIP) program, the LTBMU will offer one free Christmas tree permit to fourth-grade students who present a valid paper voucher or durable EKIP pass. The student must be present to obtain the permit and when cutting the tree under the EKIP program. Visit www.everykidinapark.gov for information about the program and to obtain the student voucher. Then visit any participating Forest Service office and present the printed voucher in person along with a parent or guardian to obtain the Christmas tree permit.

LTBMU permits cost $10 each, with a limit of two per family or address. Permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis with limit of 2,000 permits.

Basic Information

• Permits cost $10.00 each, with a limit of two permits per family.
• Permit holders may choose from varieties of pine, fir or cedar, in designated cutting areas, and must abide by specific permit conditions for proper and responsible collection.
• Individuals purchasing permits will receive information to help them make the best selection, as well as maps designating the tree cutting areas.
• Permit holders are reminded to respect private property by not trespassing when entering or leaving designated National Forest cutting areas.
• Permit holders should keep vehicles on National Forest System roads and are reminded to park safely off the roadway in legal areas. No off-road travel is allowed.
• In addition to the traditional experience, the permitted collection of smaller diameter trees, with a trunk of six inches in diameter or less, from selected areas contributes to the reduction of over-growth, particularly among firs, which are also the most sought after varieties for the holidays.

Permit Information for Surrounding Areas:

Bureau of Land Management
Carson City Office
5665 Morgan Mill Road,
Carson City, NV 89701
775-885-6000

Interagency Information Center
1340 Financial Boulevard,
Reno, NV 89502
775-861-6500

Weather permitting, the following forest roads will remain open to improve access to cutting areas:
Fountain Place Road to the first parking area, at the end of Oneidas Street (1201),

Big Meadow Trailhead parking area (1213)

and Barker Pass Road up to the OHV campground (03).

Permits will be sold in the following locations (please note, all offices are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas days):
LTBMU - Forest Supervisor’s office, 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
This office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Incline Village Forest Service office, 855 Alder Ave., Incline Village, NV. This office is open Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Cutting a Christmas tree offers a traditional holiday experience, while helping to thin the forest of excessive smaller trees, which helps to reduce excess vegetation that can feed an unwanted wildland fire and create a healthier forest over time.

Be sure to select a tree that is six inches or less in diameter at the base of the tree by using the ruler provided on the tag. Select a tree that is within 10 feet of another green tree.

Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree and leave a stump that is six inches or less above the ground. Scatter all discarded branches away from roads, ditches, and culverts. Attach the tag to the tree before leaving the cutting area.

Cutting area maps are provided at the time of permit purchase. Permit holders should follow permit guidelines for responsible collection, including not trespassing onto private property when entering or leaving national forest cutting areas. Observe seasonal road closures and be prepared to hike to the cutting area to find a tree. No off-road travel is allowed. Park in legal areas and do not block gates.

It is important to remember that weather conditions in the mountains are unpredictable and travel during winter storm weather can be dangerous due to wet and/or icy roads. In addition, winds may cause branches or trees to fall.

Visitors should avoid cutting on wet, windy days. Check the weather before heading out and tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.

Dress appropriately for cold weather conditions and be prepared for ice and snow. Carry tire chains and a shovel and bring emergency supplies, including water, food, extra blankets and a first-aid kit. Keep in mind, mobile devices may not work in some areas. Develop an emergency plan in case you cannot call for help.

Many other national forests sell Christmas tree permits. Visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/ChristmasTreePermits for locations.