Although we have yet to celebrate Halloween, the Manti LaSal National Forest has got their Christmas Tree permits ready to purchase for the upcoming Christmas holiday. Castle Country Radio was able to sit down with Public Affairs Officer, Samantha Stoffregen to talk about the details.
“So this year is similar to last year our Christmas tree permits are being sold online. There are maps available on https://www.recreation.gov/ which is where you purchase the permit, we also have maps available on our forest website,” said Stoffregen. To purchase a Christmas Tree permit, visit https://www.recreation.gov/ and search for Manti-La Sal National Forest Christmas Tree Permits. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Folks will also need to set up or login to a https://www.recreation.gov/ account to complete the transaction.
“The Manti LaSal is located in multiply counties. You’re looking at San Juan, Sanpete, Emery, Utah, Grand, Carbon County and Sevier Counties all have the Utah portion of the Manti LaSal Forest on it,” said Stoffregen. This just means that there are federal lands within those counties. It’s important that when you do go out to seek a Christmas tree that you are on the right portion of lands, meaning you are not on BLM land, in wilderness areas or on private property.
“When you go to https://www.recreation.gov/ it’s going to tell you everything you need to know. So there’s a few limitations when you trying to pick out your tree. Your tree can be 20 feet maximum in height, your stump height has to be 12 inches maximum and 5 inches maximum in diameter,” said Stoffregen. Do not cut trees within 100 feet of roads, streams or reservoirs or within 500 feet of a Ranger Station, campground or picnic area. Tree topping is not allowed.
“Cutting down a Christmas tree on the forest also helps improve forest health. The permit system helps to thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees which helps improve conditions within the forest and removing these trees allow other trees to grow larger in open areas that provide forage for wildlife,” stated Stoffregen. To learn all the ins and outs on harvesting a Christmas Tree this year please visit https://www.recreation.gov/ or call any District Ranger Office.