Christmas tree hunting is a tradition

For generations, the Christmas tree has been a familiar symbol of the holiday season, and Sisters Country is no exception. Although the celebration of the Christian tradition of Christmas can be traced to the fourth century, Christmas trees as we know them today did not appear until about the 16th century. The Christmas tree tradition is generally considered to have begun in northern Europe, with Germany most often cited as the point of origin.

Two years ago, in 2011, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution proclaiming the first week of December to be National Christmas Tree Week. The resolution, sponsored by Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, recognizes the role of Christmas trees in American family life. Oregon is the largest producer of commercial Christmas trees, more than doubling the output of its nearest competitor, North Carolina. Commercial Christmas tree production contributes approximately $100 million to Oregon's economy each year.

It is generally understood that the Christmas tree has some non-Christian roots; and, curiously, it has been occasionally criticized both as being not religiously based and as being a symbol that is too religious! Such divergent opinions notwithstanding, most people seem to regard the Christmas tree as a suitable and festive way to celebrate the season.

Certainly, in an era when it is possible to order a fully assembled and pre-lit artificial tree without ever leaving one's home, even the term "traditional" may have more than one meaning. For many, any organic tree might be considered "traditional;" and this might mean a trip to the local Christmas tree lot down at the corner or to the parking lot of a megastore.

Unlike typical city-dwellers, however, Sisters area Christmas tree enthusiasts have an even more traditional alternative to buying a pre-cut, farm-grown tree. When the first settlers of European descent arrived in Central Oregon in the nineteenth century, obtaining a Christmas tree simply meant going out into the forest, cutting the perfect tree, and bringing it home to decorate. That was traditional then, and it still can be today.

A "traditional" Christmas tree hunt is the perfect departure from an on-line, plastic, and commercialized holiday season. For those looking to add something memorable and meaningful to the season, a family Christmas-tree hunt can be a logical step.

With thousands of acres of National Forest surrounding Sisters, the annual Christmas tree hunt in the forest is a long-standing family holiday tradition for many local residents. If cutting a wild Christmas tree in the forest sounds like a tradition you would like to adopt, the first step is to obtain a Christmas tree permit from the National Forest Service or one of the other outlets where the tree permits are sold. Christmas tree permits cost $5.00 each, and up to five permits are permitted per household.

Keep in mind that a Forest Service permit is valid only on Forest Service lands, so tree hunters must be certain that the selected tree is not on private land. If unsure, it is always a good idea to have a Forest Service map that clearly shows forest boundaries. Other guidelines include selecting a tree that is no more than 12 feet tall, and the tree to be cut must be within 15 feet of another tree. If the tree is standing alone in an open space, find another tree.

Trees within 150 feet of state highways, picnic areas, campgrounds, or other developed sites should not be cut. Trees within 300 feet of streams and lakes are also off limits.

The Northwest's Douglas fir tree is commonly considered the nation's Christmas tree, and Douglas firs are shipped all over the world for use as Christmas trees. Douglas firs are common in many areas near Sisters, as are many of the true fir species such as noble, white, Pacific silver, red, and grand firs. In the Sisters area, fir trees are most often found at slightly higher elevations outside of town.

Since the most suitable trees are usually found in those higher areas, it is always a bit of a balancing act as Christmas approaches because the snow line is also falling. If the Christmas tree hunt is delayed too long, the best trees may become inaccessible.

Complete copies of Christmas tree hunting guidelines and regulations can be obtained wherever tree permits are sold. In addition to the Forest Service office, permits are also available at Lutton's Ace Hardware, Sisters Mainline Station, and Sisters Rental.

Forest Service personnel will also provide guidance on areas where cutting is permitted and where to find particular tree species. The Sisters Ranger District office is located at the corner of Highway 20 and North Pine Street, on the west side of town. For further information call 541-549-7700.

Above all, be sure that your Christmas tree hunt is a safe one. Since snow may already be present at the higher-elevation tree-hunting grounds, be sure you are properly equipped for your expedition. Children often have a tendency to wander off, so keep a close eye on them in the woods. If you travel any significant distance from your vehicle, be prepared for outdoor winter travel. Remember that winter weather conditions can change rapidly, so always let someone know where you're going, and carry appropriate emergency supplies.

For more informtion click here, Christmas Tree Permits