Lake Tahoe Christmas Tree Permits Go On Sale November 18

Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/07/2013 - 5:14pm

Is cutting down a Christmas tree in the forest part of your tradition or wanting to start a new one? This is the time of year that tree cutting permits go on sale, and they'll go quickly! Just 2,500 permits will be available to those wishing to cut down their own Christmas Tree in the Lake Tahoe basin this year. Available are a variety of pine, fir and cedar trees from designated cutting areas around the lake. The permits cost $10 each and available only on a first come, first serve basis starting on November 18, 2013. There is a two permit per family limit.

Permits are $10 each and need to be purchased with cash or check only at the following two locations:

- On the South Shore, permits will be sold at the Forest Supervisor’s office, 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, Calif., beginning Monday, November 18, 2013. 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 20, 2013. 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. 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.

Provided permits are not sold out, the last day to purchase a permit is Friday, December 20, 2013, and the last day to cut a tree is December 24, 2013.