Guidelines in place for those who want to cut holiday tree

The Western News

Selecting and cutting the perfect Christmas tree requires more than a good eye and sharpened saw. To help the public, the U.S. Forest Service last week released guidelines and tips for those who would like to venture outdoors to select their tree.

A personal-use Christmas tree permit is required for all who plan to harvest a tree on national forest lands. Permits sell for $5 each and are available at all Kootenai National Forest offices. The permit limit per household is three trees.

People going into the forest for Christmas trees are asked to respect the following guidelines:

• Avoid cutting trees along major routes, in plantations, campgrounds or other well-used areas.

• Respect private property. The public should consult Forest Service maps to properly identify national forest land.

• Do not cut in areas posted as closed to Christmas tree cutting or in contract areas.

• Cut the size of tree desired. Do not select a large tree intending to take the top only.

• Cut the stump as low as possible, no higher than 8 inches above the ground.

• Clear all limbs, trimmings and debris from roadways and ditches.

• Think “safety” with ax or power saw.

• Drive carefully on forest roads. Roads may be muddy, icy or snowpacked. In places, the road may be shared with logging traffic. Also, tree hunters should take along a shovel and emergency winter survival gear when heading out.

Forest Service officials advise that once the tree is taken home, place the base in water and store in a cool place. Extra precaution should be taken when setting up the tree by checking holiday lights and wiring for worn spots and cracks.

For information regarding the harvesting of a Christmas tree, stop in or call the nearest Forest Service office. Offices are open weekdays and the Supervisor’s Office and ranger stations have maps showing road access with identification of national forest lands.