Christmas Tree Permits Available at Forest Service and BLM District Offices

PHOTO: Detroit & Sweet Home Ranger Districts, Willamette National Forest

(Springfield, Oregon) - Christmas tree permits will soon be available at all Willamette National Forest District offices and the Bureau of Land Management Eugene District interagency office. Holiday enthusiasts looking for the perfect tree will also be able to purchase permits from local vendors.

Forest Service personal use permits are $5.00 each. They allow the holders to cut one tree; each household can purchase a maximum of five permits. BLM permits are $5.50 each; each household can purchase up to five of these permits.

With forecasts predicting colder temperatures and above average precipitation this winter, it’s as important as ever to prepare for the unexpected when looking for your holiday tree. Bring a handsaw or axe as well as winter clothing and safety equipment. Tire chains and a shovel are recommended, as is extra food, drinking water, blankets, a flashlight, first aid kit and survival gear. Tree cutting and travel may take longer than anticipated, so notify a friend or family member where you’re going, get an early start, and leave the woods well before dark.

To keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard, leave it outside until you’re ready to move it indoors. Cut the trunk at an angle before placing it in the stand and remember to refill the stand reservoir daily.

Visitors can purchase permits and receive maps of cutting areas at District offices on weekdays from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Several offices will also be open on weekends with special appearances by Smokey Bear (see the list below for times). At the Springfield Interagency office, BLM permits will be sold weekdays only 8:00am to 4:30pm until Dec. 23.

For more information please contact the closest District office or call the Willamette National Forest Service and BLM Eugene District Interagency office at (541)225-6300.

Christmas tree permits will also be available at the following vendors:

Vendor	Town		Vendor	Town
Rivers Run Deli & Market 503.854.3039	Detroit		Meyer’s General Store 541.822.3531	Blue River
Mountain High Grocery 503.854.3696	Detroit		Harbick’s County Store 541.822.3575	Rainbow
Lake Detroit Market 503.854.3433	Detroit		McKenzie Bridge General Store 541.822.3221	McKenzie Bridge
Midway Grocery 541.367.1552	Sweet Home		Jasper Store 541.746.2032	Jasper
Dan Dee Sales 541.367.5544	Sweet Home		Fall Creek Market 541.746.3068	Fall Creek
Lakeside Market 541.367.3397	Foster		CG Market 541.937.3124	Lowell
Mather’s Market 541.726.8570	Cedar Flat		Rascal’s Market 541.782.3704	Oakridge
Pratt’s Leaburg Country Store 541.896.0500	Leaburg		Killion’s Market 541.767.9690	Cottage Grove
Vida Community Market 541.896.3261	Vida		Kirk & Family Mercantile 541.946.2200	Dorena

The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to State and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

Source: Detroit & Sweet Home Ranger Districts, Willamette National Forest