Shasta-Trinity National Forest Christmas tree permits on sale

Christmas tree cutting permits for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest will go on sale beginning Nov. 2 and continuing through Dec. 24 in many locations across the forest.

Again this year the California Welcome Center at the Anderson Outlet Mall is an official vendor of Forest Service products. Christmas tree permits will be available at this location from Nov. 2 to Dec. 24. This location is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

To request a permit by mail or for more tree cutting tips, visit the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity and click on Christmas Tree permit sales.

Each household or address can purchase one Christmas tree permit at a cost of $10. Most offices accept payment by cash or check only. Each permit shall be issued using a valid name and address. Up to four additional permits may be issued for additional households using separate names and addresses.

Permits can be purchased by mail or in person at the offices listed below. Permits are good for this year only, and trees can be cut and removed any day of the week through Dec. 24. Special cutting instructions and a map will be issued with the permit.

Persons must be at least 18 years old to purchase a permit. All Christmas tree permit sales are final; no refunds will be made.

Permits sold in any Shasta-Trinity National Forest office may be used to cut a tree in any authorized area within the Shasta-Trinity and Lassen National Forests. A stamp is required on the permit to cut a Christmas tree on the Lassen National Forest.

To ensure that your visit to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest is an enjoyable experience and complies with regulations, please follow these important tips:

Bring cold weather clothing, even if the day is nice when you start out. Also bring emergency food, water, tire chains and a shovel; have a full tank of gas in your vehicle. Weather in November and December can change quickly - so be prepared.

Cut your tree early in the season before many of the popular cutting areas become snowbound.

To help keep the tree fresh, cut at least one inch off the base as soon as you get it home and place it in a container of water. Store the tree in a cool, shaded area and check the water level daily.

Please make sure you are on National Forest land and not on private land before you cut your tree. Only cut or remove a tree with the main trunk less than six inches in diameter at ground level.

Attach the tag so that it is visible as soon as you load it on your vehicle. Collecting, possessing or transporting any part of a tree without a valid permit is a Federal offense, and violators will be prosecuted.

Normal business hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and some offices will be open on weekends. All offices will be closed Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day, but will be open Friday, Nov. 27. Members of the public should telephone their closest Forest Service office to confirm hours of operation.