Christmas tree permits now on sale to the public

Retail outlets and Forest Service offices throughout Central Oregon have begun selling permits to harvest Christmas trees from the Ochoco and Deschutes National Forests.

The permits can be purchased for $5 at Forest Service offices and $5.25 at retail outlets. A validated permit must be attached to each tree that is transported, with a maximum of five per household.

Permits are available in the Sisters area at:

Sisters Ranger Station; Sisters Oil; Lutton's Ace Hardware and the Camp Sherman Store (Friday-Sunday only).

Permit holders can harvest any tree species shorter than 12 feet on National Forests. They cannot cut trees in Forest Service nurseries, or within 150 feet of highways or 300 feet of streams.

Slater Turner, assistant forest products manager on the Ochoco and Deschutes National Forests, said Oregon Department of Transportation Sno-Park permits are required to park on some highways. He recommends that people use National Forest maps to stay oriented and off private property that often abuts public land.

Forest Service officials also encourage people to hike or cross-country ski away from roads to collect trees.

Christmas tree harvesters can find pine trees near Bend and Sisters at lower elevations and firs and cedars in higher country.

Forest Service officials also recommend:

• Checking weather and road conditions before departing.
• Dressing warmly and packing food, tools and a first-aid kit.
• Letting friends know your travel plans and expected return time.
• Equipping party members with a signal whistle and being aware of their location.
• Driving a well-maintained vehicle that is in good shape for winter travel.

More than 3,700 Christmas tree permits were sold in Central Oregon last year, the Forest Service reports.