Those who want to cut their Christmas tree can get permits now.
Olympic National Forest is offering the permits, which are $5 each, until Dec. 24.
The permits, valid only in specified areas of Olympic National Forest, can be purchased during regular business hours Mondays through Fridays, with special weekend hours at some locations.
Maps and a list of cutting locations will be provided with each permit sale.
Here is a list of offices offering the permits. All will be closed Nov. 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday:
â– Olympic National Forest Headquarters in Olympia; 360-956-2300.
â– Hood Canal Ranger District Office in Quilcene, 360-765-2200.
â– Pacific Ranger District Office in Quinault, 360-288-2525.
â– Hoodsport Visitor Information Center, 360-877-2021.
â– Forks Visitor Information Center, 360-374-6522.
When you get your permit and map, check with a ranger where you plan to go, or ask for suggestions.
Rangers can review the areas open to harvest and give you important information about road closures due to snow.
Cut smart
â– Cut the entire tree, not just the top. Leave no more than 12 inches of stump.
â– Select a tree in a crowded area. Don’t take stand-alone trees in an open area.
â– Don’t cut in campgrounds, on private property, in wilderness areas, administrative areas or within 150 feet of a stream, lake, pond or wetland.
â– Measure your ceiling height before you go, because once you’re in the woods it’s easy to misjudge how much tree you can accommodate.
Get a permit by mail
Permits can also be purchased through the mail.
Click on http://tinyurl.com/PDNChristmastrees for a mail-order form and instructions.
Other U-cut options
Cut your tree at a Christmas-tree farm such as the Lazy J Tree Farm, 225 Gehrke Road between Port Angeles and Sequim, 360-457-5950, or the Deer Park Tree Farm, 4227 Deer Park Road southeast of Port Angeles, 360-452-6720.
