Tree permits available from Forest Service

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

The Army Navy store in Whitefish is a new vendor this year. A complete list of vendors can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/flathead.

Each permit is valid for one tree and there is a maximum of two 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 transporting the tree from the forest.

People are asked to select trees that are 3 to 4 inches in diameter or less at the stump. The stump should be cut as close to the ground as possible — 8 inches or shorter. Do not cut the top of a tree or leave live limbs attached to the stump.

For a permit or more information about vendors and cutting Christmas trees on the Flathead National Forest, contact a local office:

•  Tally Lake Ranger District/Supervisor’s Office, 758-5204.                                 
•  Hungry Horse-Glacier View and Spotted Bear ranger districts, 387-3800.
•  Swan Lake Ranger District, 837-7500.