The Gifford Pinchot National Forest on Friday will begin selling permits to cut Christmas trees on its land, forest officials announced.
The permits are available for $5 per tree at several locations, including all ranger district offices, some commercial vendors and the Gifford Pinchot forest headquarters at 10600 N.E. 51st Circle in Vancouver.
Tree cutting is prohibited in designated wilderness areas, developed campgrounds, within 300 feet of streams and other posted areas, according to the forest service. The Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is also off limits. Residents may cut one tree per permit, and buy no more than five permits per household.
Gifford Pinchot officials urge tree-cutters to be mindful of weather and road conditions before heading into the forest. Road status reports and closure information is available at U.S. Forest Service.
People may also call the Gifford Pinchot forest headquarters at 360-891-5000 for more information.
