South Lake Tahoe, Calif. –The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin the sale of Christmas tree permits on Monday, November 24, 2014. Permits cost $10 each (cash or check only, no credit cards), with a limit of two permits per family. Permits must be purchased in person, are not transferable and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Permit holders may choose from a variety of pine, fir or cedar in designated cutting areas. Permits are available for purchase until December 19, but permits usually sell out before then. The last day to cut a tree is December 25, 2014.
Cutting a Christmas tree offers a traditional holiday experience, while helping to thin the forest of excessive smaller diameter trees, which creates a healthier forest over time.
Permits will be sold in two locations (both offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day):
- On the South Shore, permits will be sold at the Forest Supervisor’s office, 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, Calif., beginning Monday, November 24, 2014. This office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (530) 543-2694.
- On the North Shore, permits will be sold at the Incline Village Forest Service office, 855 Alder Ave., Incline Village, Nev., beginning Wednesday, November 26, 2014. This office is open Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (775) 831-0914. During winter weather driving conditions, call the Incline office to make sure it’s open.
Maps to designated cutting areas are provided at the time of purchase. Permit holders should follow permit guidelines for responsible collection, including respecting private property by not trespassing when entering or leaving National Forest cutting areas. Observe seasonal road closures and be prepared to walk in to the cutting area to find a tree. No off-road travel is allowed.
For more information, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/ChristmasTreePermits.
