According to a recent press release by the U.S. Forest Service at South Lake Tahoe, Calif., Beginning last Monday, the U.S.D.A. 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 limited number of permits will be available for sale.
Permits cost $10.00 each, and there is a limit of two permits 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 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.
Sales are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through Friday, December 23, 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).
Permit sales are every Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., until Friday, December 23, 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.
