Forest offers Christmas tree permits

Christmas tree permits from the Flathead National Forest are available for $5 each from Forest Service offices in Kalispell, Hungry Horse, and Bigfork, as well as from a variety of vendors across the valley.

Each permit is valid for one tree and there is a maximum of three permits per household. Commercial permits are not available.

The forest has an abundant choice of trees from which to choose.

Trees may not be cut in campgrounds or other developed areas, plantations, previously thinned stands and areas posted as closed to Christmas tree cuttings. The permit must be fastened around the tree trunk prior to being transported from national forest lands.

The Forest Service is advising the public 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 — 8 inches or shorter. Trees should not be “topped” and live limbs should not be attached to the stump.

Additionally, the public is reminded that firewood permits are available. Individuals can purchase up to 12 cords of firewood at $5 per cord; a minimum of four cords must be purchased.

Commercial vendors that sell Christmas tree and firewood permits include Bear Track Travel, East Glacier; the Ferndale Market; Glacier Center, Coram; Kelly Rae’s Conoco, Kalispell; Local Joes Gas and Grub Conoco, Bigfork; Mike’s Conoco in Columbia Falls, Hungry Horse and Whitefish; Ronan Power Products; Ronan Sports and Western; Sliters Ace Hardware, Lakeside; Snappy Sport Senter, Evergreen; Sportsman and Ski Haus, Kalispell; Swan Ecosystem Center, Condon; Swan Lake Trading Post in Swan Lake; the Swan Valley Centre in Condon; and the Bitterroot Quick Stop, for firewood permits only, Kalispell.