Hiawatha National Forest Christmas tree permits available
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Christmas tree permits are now available from the Hiawatha National Forest and the Ottawa National Forest from the United States Forest Service.
Permits are available for $5 per tree until Dec. 31, so long as people follow the rules and regulations set in place by the USFS.
The USFS says that those looking to harvest a tree need to select a balsam fir or spruce away from campgrounds or other developed or dispersed recreation sites that is located at least 100 feet from a lake or river. Additionally, no one may harvest trees from Wilderness Areas, Research Natural Areas or Recreation Residence tracts, or from active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees.
When selecting a specific tree, the USFS says to choose one 20 feet tall or less, with a stump height of 12 inches or less. If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump to accurately measure stump and tree height, and make sure to cut down the entire tree, rather than removing the top and leaving the rest.
"Tools you might want to consider bringing with you include a measuring tape to ensure you select a tree that fits in your home; handsaw to cut your tree; gloves to protect your hands; boots to protect your feet; a tarp to sit on and/or to move your tree once it’s cut; and rope or straps to secure your tree to your vehicle," says the USFS on their website. "Choose a tree from a dense forested area, which will give the remaining trees more space to grow."
Permits are available for the Hiawatha National Forest at https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/d8173b88-ec5d-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74?utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email and for the Ottawa National Forest at https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/c1518c31-ec5a-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74. Maps are available on these websites of the places where tree-cutting is and is not allowed.
More information is available by calling the Hiawatha National Forest Supervisor's office at 906-428-5800, and the Ottawa National Forest Supervisor's office at 906-932-1330.
Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.