Christmas tree permits for Lake Tahoe Basin go on sale Monday

The popular Lake Tahoe basin Christmas tree permits from the U.S Forest Service go on sale Monday, November 7 in South Lake Tahoe and North Lake Tahoe, then on November 9 in Incline Village.

Permits cost $10 each with a limit of two per family. They must be purchased in person, are not transferable and are sold on a first come, first serve basis. Even though the last day for tree permit sales is on December 23, they are normally sold out well before that date, sometimes as early as December 4.

On the South Shore, it is preferred that permits are purchased with cash or check, though they can take a credit card. Permits will be sold at the Forest Supervisor’s office, 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, Calif., beginning Monday, November 7, 2016. This office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (530) 543-2600.

In Incline Village, permits will be sold at the Incline Village Forest Service office, 855 Alder Ave., Incline Village, Nev., beginning Wednesday, November 9, 2016. 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 Village office to make sure it is open.)

On the North Shore in Tahoe City, permits will be sold at the North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center, 100 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, Calif., beginning Monday, November 7, 2016. This office is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. For more information, call (530) 581-6900.

All offices will be closed on Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day.

Guidelines for tree permits:

- Permits cost $10.00 each, with a limit of two permits per family. (Cash or check are preferred on the South Shore. Cash or check only on the North Shore, no credit cards.)
- Permit holders may choose from varieties of pine, fir or cedar, in designated cutting areas, and must abide by specific permit conditions for proper and responsible collection.
- Individuals purchasing permits will receive information to help them make the best selection, as well as maps designating the tree cutting areas.
- Permit holders are reminded to respect private property by not trespassing when entering or leaving designated National Forest cutting areas.
- Permit holders should keep vehicles on National Forest System roads and are reminded to park safely off the roadway in legal areas. No off-road travel is allowed.
- In addition to the traditional experience, the permitted collection of smaller diameter trees, with a trunk of six inches in diameter or less, from selected areas contributes to the reduction of over-growth, particularly among firs, which are also the most sought after varieties for the holidays.

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.

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