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 16 on both the South Shore and November 18 on the North Shore.

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 USFS lists noon on December 24 as the last day for sales, they are normally sold out well before that date. In 2014, tree permits sold out on December 4. The last day to cut a tree down is Christmas Day, December 25, 2015.

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 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 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. For more information, call (530) 543-2694.

On the North Shore, permits must be purchased with cash or check only. 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 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 is open.

Both offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

There is a choice of trees from a variety of pine, fir or cedar in designated cutting areas.

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.

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.