Christmas Tree Permits Available at Forest Service and BLM District Offices

(Springfield, OR) Christmas tree permits will soon be available at all Willamette National Forest District offices, the Bureau of Land Management Springfield Interagency office and the Cottage Grove Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest. Holiday enthusiasts looking for the perfect tree will also be able to purchase permits from local vendors.

Forest Service personal use permits are $5.00 each. They allow the holders to cut one tree; each household can purchase a maximum of five permits. BLM permits are $5.50 each; each household can purchase up to three of these permits.

When heading out to collect your tree, don’t be fooled by nice weather at valley-level elevations. Weather condition in the mountains may be drastically different and include freezing temperatures and snow. Therefore, it’s always important to prepare for the unexpected; bring a handsaw or axe as well as winter clothing and safety equipment. Tire chains and a shovel are recommended, as is extra food, drinking water, blankets, a flashlight, first aid kit and survival gear. Tree cutting and travel may take longer than anticipated, so notify a friend or family member where you’re going, get an early start, and leave the woods well before dark.

“Going into the woods to find the family Christmas tree is a great way to experience your National Forest,” said Meg Mitchell, Forest Supervisor for the Willamette National Forest. “To make it a fun and safe experience, please check the current weather conditions before heading out. If you have additional concerns, contact your local Ranger Station for more information.”

To keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard, leave it outside until you’re ready to move it indoors. Cut the trunk at an angle before placing it in the stand and remember to refill the stand reservoir daily.

Visitors can purchase permits and receive maps of cutting areas at District offices on weekdays from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Several offices will also be open on weekends with special appearances by Smokey Bear (see the list below for times). At the Springfield Interagency office, BLM permits will be sold weekdays only 8:00am to 4:30pm until Dec. 23.

For more information please contact the closest District office or call the Willamette National Forest Service and BLM Eugene District Interagency office at (541)225-6300.

Christmas tree permits will also be available at the following vendors:

*Permits bought at the Cottage Grove Ranger District and respective vendors are good for the Umpqua National Forest. The other Ranger District offices sell permits for tree harvest on the Willamette National Forest.

Source: Willamette National Forest & BLM Eugene District

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