By Don Quilici
According to a recent press release by the U.S. Forest Service at South Lake Tahoe, Calif, beginning Thursday, November 18, 2004, the USDA Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will be offering permits for the public to select and cut holiday trees in the Tahoe Basin.
A total of 1,500 permits will be available for sale.
Permits cost $10.00 each, and there is a limit of one tree permit per family, valid for cutting on or before December 24th.
Permit holders may choose from varieties of pine, fir or cedar, in designated cutting areas, and must abide by specific conditions for proper and responsible collection.
Permit sales will be available at two locations:
A. On the South Shore, permits will be sold at the LTBMU Supervisor's Office at 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, beginning Thursday, November 18.
Sales will continue thereafter, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through Friday, December 17, or when the permit supply is exhausted.
B. On the North Shore, permits will be sold at the North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, 380 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City (next to the fire station), beginning Thursday, November 18.
Thereafter, permit sales will continue every Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., until Saturday, December 18, or when the permit supply is exhausted.
During wintry weather driving conditions, call the North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center to determine permit sale availability at (530) 581-6900.
Individuals purchasing permits will receive information to help them make the best selection, as well as maps designating the tree cutting areas.
In addition to the traditional experience, the collection of smaller diameter trees from the selected areas will contribute to a reduction of over-growth, particularly among firs, which are also the most sought after varieties over the holidays.
For more information, contact the Forest Supervisor's Office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at (530) 543-2694.
