Long lines in South Lake Tahoe at USFS for Christmas tree permits

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Not wanting to end up without a Christmas tree permit this year, a long line of people surrounded the USFS-Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit building in South Lake Tahoe Monday morning. When the doors opened at 8:00 a.m., the lobby immediately filled and the line continued to grow.

Many were caught by surprise over the past two years when permits went quickly. In 2018, the permits were gone in just a few days. Staff was even surprised said Lisa Herron of USFS. Their parking spots were gone and those seeking the permits to go cut down their tree filled not only that parking area but also found spots out on the roadway and near Ross and the post office.

Resident Brandi Bannister arrived early and said she too was very surprised by the crowd. She was bundled up and hung in there, walking out of the office with her permit one hour 45 minutes later.

A difference this year is USFS-LTBMU is limiting just one of the $10 permits per family where in years past they were allowed two. Due to this forest officials think the supply should last a bit longer.

Lake Tahoe permits are being sold at the following locations:

- 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., excluding holidays. (If purchasing a permit at the South Lake Tahoe office, please be sure to arrive no later than 4 p.m. This will help ensure there is adequate time to process your purchase before the office closes at 4:30 p.m.)

- North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center, 100 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, Calif. This office is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., excluding Christmas Day.

If permits are sold out in South Lake Tahoe those purchased on the North Shore can be used in any Lake Tahoe Basin permitted area.

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.