U.S. Forest Service  
Eldorado National Forest 
100 Forni Road 
Placerville, CA 95667 
530-622-5061

  
News Release
For Immediate Release
November 5, 2018
Media Contact: Jennifer Chapman
(530) 957-9660
Eldorado National Forest is Selling Christmas Tree Tags Again this Year

P LACERVILLE, Calif. -  The Eldorado National Forest will begin selling Christmas tree permits on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. Tree tags that can be used to cut pine, fir or cedar trees up to 6 inches in diameter at the base will be available at the Forest Supervisor's Office in Placerville, the Placerville District Office in Camino, the Georgetown District Office in Georgetown, and the Amador District Office in Pioneer. This program offers an enjoyable holiday experience for families and friends in the natural setting of one of their national forests.

"There's a lot of variation in nature so sometimes it can be challenging to find a tree," said Forest Supervisor Laurence Crabtree. "If people want to cut their own tree, but don't necessarily want to go searching for one, there are also many excellent local Christmas tree farms in the area." 

Christmas tree permits will be issued with tree tags at a cost of $10 per tag (cash only), with a limit of two tags per family or address. Permits must be purchased in person, are not transferable and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis until all 4,500 tags are sold but no later than 12:00 pm on December 28th. Cutting under these permits will be allowed until December 31 to accommodate military families who may need to celebrate a delayed Christmas.

"The Christmas tree program also supports the Every Kid in a Park initiative," said Crabtree. Fourth graders who present a valid EKIP voucher or pass are entitled to one free Christmas tree. "Getting kids out in the forest builds healthy relationships and can make a life lasting impression. Our young people are the future stewards of the forest."

Visit www.EveryKidinaPark.gov for information about the program and to get your voucher. Visit any of the Eldorado NF offices selling Christmas tree permits to get your Christmas tree tag. The student must be present to get the tag.

Cutting a Christmas tree offers a traditional holiday experience and helps to thin out small diameter trees on the forest which creates a healthier forest over time. It is important to remember that winter storm weather can be dangerous due to wet roads, and winds which may cause branches or dead trees to fall. If possible, visitors should try to avoid wet, windy days, or be sure to use extra caution and always let someone know their travel plans.  

Permits will be sold in four locations Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (all offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day) and will also be open Saturdays on November 17th and 24th and December 1st and 8th:
  • Forest Supervisor's Office - 100 Forni Road (3034 Briw Road for GPS), Placerville
  • Placerville Ranger District - 4260 Eight Mile Road, Camino
  • Amador Ranger District - 26820 Silver Drive, Pioneer
  • Georgetown Ranger District - 7600 Wentworth Springs Road, Georgetown
Note: All visitor services at Pacific Ranger District have been moved to the Placerville Ranger District.

A Christmas Tree Cutting Map will be provided to all permit holders and is required to be in the permittee's possession when cutting. This map indicates areas of the forest where cutting is permitted. Permit holders should only drive vehicles on National Forest System roads, or park vehicles within one car length from the road.

Please follow permit guidelines for responsible collection, including respecting private property and not trespassing when entering or leaving National Forest lands. Visitors should check for seasonal road closures and be prepared to walk into a cutting area to find a tree. No off-road vehicle travel is allowed.

For more information, visit the forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado .

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