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EXPLORE: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

By Beacon Staff

Now that Thanksgiving has passed it’s time to shift attention to Christmas.

Nothing will get you into the holiday spirit more than finding and cutting your own Christmas tree. On U.S. Forest Service lands, permits are $5 per tree and there is a limit of two per household.

The permits are available at USFS offices in Kalispell, Hungry Horse and Bigfork and various vendors across the valley.

The Forest Service is only able to accept cash payments. Each permit is valid for one tree. The tree cannot come from campgrounds or other developed areas, plantations, previously thinned stands or areas posted closed.

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

Forest Service officials urge residents to select a tree that is 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 the tree or leave live limbs attached to the stump.

For more information call the Tally Lake Ranger District at (406) 758-5204, Hungry Horse Ranger District at (406) 387-3800 and Swan Lake Ranger District at (406) 837-7500.

You can also visit www.fs.fed.us for more information.