Christmas tree permits became available Monday at the Flathead National Forest offices in Kalispell, Hungry Horse and Bigfork, and from a variety of retail vendors in the area. A complete list of vendors can be found on the forest’s website, www.fs.usda.gov/flathead. Each permit costs $5 and is valid for one tree. There is a maximum of two permits allowed per household. Commercial permits are not available. The permit is valid only for National Forest System lands. There are other privately-owned and industry-owned lands in the Flathead Valley that may not allow Christmas tree cutting. The Forest Service urges people to check the ownership of the land before cutting down a tree.

 New this year as part of the national Every Kid in a Park initiative, all fourth graders are eligible for one free Christmas tree permit. For students to receive the free tree permit, they must present a valid paper or plastic Every Kid in a Park pass.  To obtain the pass, visit www.everykidinapark.gov, follow the instructions on the website then print out the paper voucher. Bring the paper voucher to a Forest Service office to claim the free tree permit. The fourth grader and adult must present the voucher in person at the office location.

The Forest Service is one of several federal agencies participating in the Every Kid in a Park initiative, a nationwide call to action to inspire young people across the country to visit their national parks, forests, public lands and waters. Getting outdoors to find and cut the family Christmas tree is one way for kids and families to explore, learn and play in these special places that belong to all of us.