Christmas tree permits ready for purchase.

Byline: Laura Ruggeri The Register-Guard

For those pining for a Christmas tree even before Thanksgiving, permits are now available at Willamette and Umpqua national forest ranger districts and nearby businesses.

Personal use permits are $5 each and allow holders to cut one tree. A maximum of five permits can be purchased by one household.

Maps of cutting areas are available with the purchase of permits.

A lot of families make this an annual tradition and have a favorite spot, said Cheryl Caplan, public affairs officer for the Umpqua forest. For those who haven't gone out before, Caplan recommends they visit a U.S. Forest Service office and ask about the best places to look for their prized tree.

The open grown trees have lots of space for hanging ornaments, Caplan said. Some people call them "Charlie Brown" trees, she said, but there are some beautiful ones out there, too.

In addition to visiting a ranger district office, Willamette forest permits can be purchased at CG Market in Lowell; the Jasper Store; Rascals Market in Oakridge; Vida Community Market; Leaburg Country Store; Mather's Market in Cedar Flats; Harbicks Country Store in Blue River; McKenzie Bridge General Store; Midway Grocery in Sweet Home; and Lakeside Market in Foster.

Permits for the Umpqua forest can also be purchased at Killon's Market in Cottage Grove and Kirk and Family Mercantile in Dorena.

Preparation is key to staying safe and enjoying the process of cutting a tree. Taking a handsaw or ax as well as winter clothing and safety equipment is recommended. Tree hunters should be prepared for adverse weather and road conditions and take tire chains and a shovel. Extra food, water, blankets, a flashlight and first aid kit are also recommended.

Once a tree has been cut, it's recommended that it be kept outside until ready to be put in a stand, to keep it from drying out. After putting the tree in a stand, keep it in plenty of water.

CHRISTMAS TREE PERMITS

Willamette National Forest ranger districts

Weekday hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (permits not available at Sweet Home district until Monday)

Weekend hours: Middle Fork district will be open 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14; Smokey Bear will visit Dec. 6, 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. McKenzie River district will be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 29 and Dec. 6; Smokey will be there both days.

For more information: 225-6305

Umpqua National Forest ranger districts

Weekdays: Permits available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 24 at Toketee, Cottage Grove, Glide, Roseburg, Tiller districts

More information: 672-6601