Christmas tree permits from the Flathead National Forest are now available for $5 at the Forest Service offices in Kalispell, Hungry Horse and Bigfork.

The Army-Navy store in Whitefish is also a vendor this year.

Each permit is valid for one tree and there is a maximum of two permits per household. Commercial permits are not available.

Trees may not be cut in campgrounds or other developed areas, plantations, previously thinned stands and areas posted closed to Christmas tree cuttings.

The permit must be fastened around the tree trunk prior to transporting the tree.

Trees should be three to four inches in diameter or less at the stump. The stump should be cut as close to the ground as possible. Do not cut the top of a tree or leave live limbs attached to the stump.

The Christmas tree permit is only for National Forest System lands. There are other privately-owned and industry-owned lands in the Flathead Valley area that may not allow Christmas tree cutting.

For more information, call the Tally Lake Ranger District at 758-5204.