4th Graders with Annual Every Kid in the Park Pass receive one free tree permit this season
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 16, 2015. Permits cost $10 each (cash or check are preferred on the South Shore, cash or check only, no credit cards on the North Shore), 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 noon on December 24, but permits could sell out before then. The last day to cut a tree is December 25, 2015.
In support of Every Kid in a Park, established under presidential proclamation, the Forest Service will offer one free Christmas tree permit to fourth-grade students who present a valid paper voucher or durable Every Kid in a Park pass. “The Every Kid in a Park initiative encourages fourth-graders and their families to get out and enjoy their public lands,” said Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais. “By providing students and their families an opportunity to go out and cut a free Christmas tree on National Forest System land, we hope to inspire a lasting commitment to caring for and preserving these lands.” To obtain the free Christmas tree permit, fourth-grade students must obtain the paper voucher online, present the printed voucher in person along with their parent or guardian to a Forest Service office and participate in the cutting of the Christmas tree. To obtain the paper voucher and to learn more about the Every Kid in a Park program, visit www.EveryKidinaPark.gov.
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 16, 2015. 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 18, 2015. This office is openWednesday 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 is 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.