Why settle for a small, sparse Charlie Brown tree in your home when you can snag one from the Gifford Pinchot National Forest?
Beginning Nov. 16, visitors may begin purchasing holiday tree-cutting permits for $5 at Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens and the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District offices, as well as other local vendors. Permits are available online at www.recreation.gov, but they do include with additional administrative fees.
Households may purchase up to five permits, which are each valid for one-time use. Fourth-graders may get a permit for free with an “Every Kid Outdoors” pass, which can be found at www.everykidoutdoors.gov.
Special instructions and a map of designated tree-cutting areas in the national forest are included with permits.
Where to get a permit in person:
- Mount Adams Ranger District — 2455 Highway 141, Trout Lake; 509-395-3400.
- Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument & District Office — 42218 N.E. Yale Bridge Road, Amboy; 360-449-7800.
- Cowlitz Valley Ranger District — 10024 U.S. Highway 12, Randle; 360-497-1100.
- Sportsman’s Warehouse — 11505 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver; 360-604-8000.
Officials urge those who are interested to be prepared for winter weather. Bring traction tools for wheels, a shovel, extra layers, a flashlight, first aid kit, and food and water, and, of course, gear for tree cutting and ropes for securing.
For tips on how to successfully secure a tree, visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/treepermit. Road closures are updated on www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/giffordpinchot/recreation#conditions.
