PORT ANGELES — If you have a vision of walking into the woods and finding the perfect Christmas tree to bring home, the U.S. Forest Service can help you realize it this season.
Every year it offers citizens the opportunity to cut down tress on public lands after purchasing a $5 permit that is good for one tree; each household is allowed up to five tree permits.
Olympic National Forest is one of six Washington national forests where people can go Christmas tree hunting, along with Mt. Baker Snoqualmie (where permits are $10), Gifford Pinchot, Okanogan-Wenatchee, Colville and Umatilla.
Permits can be purchased in person at an Olympic National Forest Office, online or at one of four vendors on the Olympic Peninsula.
Christmas tree cutting is allowed with a permit throughout the Olympic National Forest except within the Quinault Special Management Area, Research Natural Areas and designated wilderness.
For more information on how to purchase a permit or to find maps of the forest showing where Christmas tree cutting is allowed, go to tinyurl.com/vb8rhzfy.
A permit only allows you take a tree from Olympic National Forest, not from Olympic National Park, the state Department of Natural Resources or private land. It’s the responsibility of permit holders to know where they are.
“If you are unsure you are in the right place, don’t harvest a tree!” Keith Alholm, a public affairs specialist with the U.S. Forest Service, wrote in an email.
Alholm said it is common for people to underestimate the amount of time it might take to locate their tree.
“Unlike a tree farm or tree lot, we don’t grow and trim trees specifically for harvesting as Christmas trees,” Alholm wrote. “If this is your first time, you should plan adequate time for the search. For many people, the hunt for a tree is part of the fun.”
Before you go
Bring your permit with you and carry it when you’re in the forest.
Check road and trails conditions by calling the ranger station closest to where you plan your tree search.
Don’t rely on GPS; bring a map.
Pack a measuring tape to make sure the tree fits in your vehicle and your home; a handsaw; gloves; a tarp to haul your tree once it’s cut; and rope or straps to secure the tree to your vehicle.
Anticipate snow: bring tire chains and dress warmly.
Cutting your tree
Trees should be no taller than 15 feet.
Any evergreens except Western white pine can be harvested.
Don’t top and take just the top of a tree — you have to take the whole thing.
Where to purchase permits:
• Online at Recreation.gov: tinyurl.com/vb8rhzfy
Olympic National Forest Offices:
• Forks Office, 437 Tillicum Lane; 360-374-6522
• Quinault Office, 353 S. Shore Road, 360-288-2525
• Quilcene Office, 295142 U.S. Highway 101, 360-765-2200
Vendors
Hoodsport Visitor Information Center, 150 N. Lake Cushman Road, Hoodsport, 360-877-2021
North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce, 306144 U.S. Highway 101, Brinnon, 360-765-2200
Sequim Visitor Information Center, 1192 E. Washington St., Sequim, 360-683-6197
Swains General Store, 602 E. First St., Port Angeles, 360-452-2357
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Reporter Paula Hunt can be reached at paula.hunt@peninsuladailynews.com
