Quincy, CA 10-15-25. . . Cutting your own Christmas tree is a popular family tradition in Plumas County, home to both the Lassen National Forest and the Plumas National Forest, giving you access to over 2 million acres of forest.
Tree cutters will find Douglas Fir and White Fir; and at the higher elevation, Silver Tip, which for some is the prime type of Christmas tree. “When looking for your perfect tree, we always tell people to be mindful of the elevation since terrain can vary and change very quickly as can the weather,” says Ryan Newell owner of Intermountain Hardware in Chester.
Tree permits are $10 per tree and come with a map of areas in forests that allow chopping of trees. In Chester, permits can be purchased at Ayoob’s Inter Mountain Hardware and Lake Almanor Ace Hardware. Permits available online for Plumas National Forest at:
https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/27724292-ebd0-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74/order
Tips for the Perfect Tree, a Healthy Forest and a Safe and Fun Day:
- Bring tools, including a tape measure (trees can be bigger than they look), a hand saw, gloves, a tarp, ropes, and tie-downs.
- The tree must be at least 200 feet from main roads, recreation sites, and campgrounds. Stay away from areas along streams, rivers, lakes, and wet areas.
- Select a tree with a trunk of six inches or less in diameter. Cut the tree no more than six inches above the ground.
- Never cut a tall tree just for the top. Help thin out the little trees!
- Select a tree from overstocked areas and thickets. This helps with overall forest health.
- Attach your tree tag to the harvested tree before placing it in your vehicle.
- Layer your clothing. Mountain climates change quickly.
- Let someone know where you are going.
For more information on tree cutting and Plumas County, please visit www.plumascounty.org
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Contact: Katherine E. Sansone, SANSONE+ PR & MARKETING
410.418.2466; katherine@sansoneolus.com