Personal-use permits to harvest

Christmas trees are now available from the U.S. Forest Service.

The $5 permits can be obtained at all

Kootenai National Forest offices with a limit of three trees per

household. A permit is required for each tree.

The Forest Service asks those in search

of a Christmas tree to respect the following guidelines:

• Avoid cutting trees along major

routes, in plantations, campgrounds or other well-used areas.

• Respect private property; consult

Forest Service maps to accurately identify national forest

land.

• Do not cut in areas posted as closed

to Christmas tree cutting or in contract areas.

• Cut the size of tree desired. Do not

select a large tree intending to take the top only.

• Cut the stump as low as possible, no

higher than eight inches above the ground.

• Clear all limbs, trimmings and debris

from roadways and ditches.

• Think “safety” with axe or power

saw.

In addition, forest officials urge

people to drive carefully on forest roads. Roads may be muddy, icy

or snowpacked. In places, the road may be shared with logging

traffic. Motorists should take along a shovel and emergency winter

survival gear when heading out for Christmas trees.

Once the tree is taken home, place the

base in water and store in a cool place. Take extra precautions

when setting up the tree by checking tree lights and wiring for

worn spots and cracks.

For more information, call or stop by a

Forest Service office. The supervisor’s office and ranger stations

also have maps that show road access and identify national forest

lands.