OLYMPIA — Permits for cutting Christmas trees in the Olympic National Forest are available now.
And fourth-graders can get them free.
Permits for others will cost $5 each. Credit cards will be accepted.
A map of designated areas for cutting-your-own tree will be provided upon acquiring a permit.
Permits will be available through Dec. 24 during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at offices in Quilcene, Forks, Quinault and Olympia.
Special weekend hours will be offered at different locations, excluding Thanksgiving Day.
Each fourth-grader is eligible for a free holiday tree permit through the national “Every Kid in a Park” initiative.
To receive a free tree permit, a student must present a valid paper voucher printed from the “Every Kid in a Park” website at www.everykidinapark.gov.
The initiative is a national effort to encourage children to visit national parks, forests, and public lands that offers all fourth grade students in the nation paper passes for free entry into all federal lands and waters by visiting the “Every Kid in a Park” website.
The website also has suggestions for visits and field trips.
Here is information about the Olympic National Forest Service offices.
■ Quilcene — Hood Canal Ranger District office at 295142 S. U.S. Highway 101; 360-765-2200; special weekend hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
■ Forks — Pacific Ranger District office at 437 Tillicum Lane; 360-374-6522; special weekend hours at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 12.
■ Quinault — Pacific Ranger District office at 353 South Shore Road; 360-288-2525; special weekend hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 12.
■ Olympia — Olympic National Forest headquarters at 1835 Black Lake Blvd. SW; 360-956-2402; special weekend hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 12.
Contact a local office to confirm hours and obtain additional information as well as current road and weather conditions.
For more information, call 360-956-2402.
