(SitNews) –‘Tis the season to head out into the woods to find the perfect Christmas tree.

Alaskans are starting to decorate for the approaching holiday season, and for many, the tree can be a focal point of holiday decorations.  While several retailers sell Christmas trees, some folks prefer to venture outside to select and cut their own tree.  If you are one of those people, the Alaska Division of Forestry provides for this holiday tradition.

“Cutting an Alaska-grown Christmas tree is an annual tradition for many Alaskans,” said Governor Michael J. Dunleavy.  “It’s fun to get outside and enjoy the beauty of Alaska winters, it’s free, and it’s just one more way we are helping Alaskans benefit directly from our common lands and resources.”

Forest users do not need a permit to cut a Christmas tree from the Tongass National Forest for personal use. However, a household may remove one Christmas tree per year. Make sure to check the area Motor Vehicle Use Map to confirm the tree is in a Forest Service land management area before cutting.

There are no regulations on what tree species or size to cut in the Tongass National Forest. However, there are a few rules people are asked to follow:

• Trees may not be cut from any developed Forest Service recreation sites
• Trees may not be cut from the Heen Latinee Experimental Forest. 
• Trees may not be cut from land within 330 feet of a bald eagle nest (often located near water.)
• Trees many not be cut within 100 feet of a salmon stream or a road. 
• Trees should be no larger than seven inches in diameter at the stump
• Cut trees as close to the ground as possible, below the lowest limb or 12 inches from the ground.
• Do not top a larger tree. 
• Do not cut a tree and then discard it for another one found to be more desirable.
• Christmas trees should not be harvested from muskeg areas, as regeneration in these area is very difficult to establish.
• The tree cannot be sold, bartered or used in any commercial-type exchange for goods.

Also in Southcentral and Interior Alaska, residents are allowed to cut Christmas trees on state lands that are open for cutting. There is no permit or fee required.   The maximum tree height is 15 feet and the limit is one tree per household. 

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources offers multi-agency maps and information for harvesting Christmas trees in Southcentral and Interior Alaska.  The site also has instructions on how to care for your fresh-cut Christmas tree.

Here are some guidelines for safe, legal cutting of Christmas trees on public lands:

• Properly identify who owns the land where you intend to cut your tree. If you have any questions on land ownership, call your local Division of Forestry office.
  
• Cut trees as low and close to the ground as possible.
• Cutting trees in any state parks or experimental forests is prohibited.
• Christmas trees cut on state land are for personal use only, and may not be sold.
  
• Division of Forestry does not maintain forest roads.  Anyone traveling on forest roads should have appropriate gear and equipment in the event they get stuck, including tire chains, shovel, tow strap and warm clothing.
• Do not litter, and be courteous to other tree cutters and/or area residents.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

US Forest Service
www.fed.fs.gov

Alaska Department of Natural Resources
www.dnr.alaska.gov

 

 

 

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