It's an annual tradition for many families: cutting down your own Christmas tree. In order to do it, you must get a permit and follow a few guidelines.
Heber-Kamas Range District: Permits costing $10 each go on sale tomorrow morning at Soldier Hollow Lodge, located at 2002 Olympic Drive in Midway. Non-transferrable wristbands will be issued to the first 1,000 individuals, starting at 6:00am, both Friday and Saturday morning. Individuals with a wristband must purchase their tree permit in person, on the same day they receive their wristband, from 8:00am - 12:00pm. One permit per adult will be sold on a first come first served basis. Only subalpine fir trees, 20 feet and shorter may be cut and removed.
Spanish Fork Ranger District: The Spanish Fork Ranger District will begin issuing 400 permits at 8:00am on Wednesday, November 9th. It will be at the Ranger District located at 44 West 400 North in Spanish Fork. One tree per adult, sold on a first come first served basis. Permits cost $10 each. The permits are designated for cutting areas within the Vernon area located in Tooele County on the Spanish Fork Ranger District. Only pinyon pine or juniper trees, 20 feet and shorter may be cut and removed.
The U.S. Forest Service has a few rules, including:
- Trees may be cut until December 24th.
- Trees must be cut close to the ground
- No stump over six inches can be left behind
- Bring a shovel so you can dig through the snow to reach the base of the trunk
- No tree topping
- No cutting within 200 feet of lakes, streams, roads, campgrounds and summer home areas
You can get more information here.
