Forest service offers way to fetch Christmas trees
November 24, 2008
By Ryan Piersol
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has just the thing for those who want to get in the Christmas spirit, but don’t want to go broke doing it.
Until Dec. 24, the national forest is offering citizens a chance to retrieve their own Christmas trees at a rate significantly less than they’d find at commercial tree farms.
Those interested will need to locate, chop down and transport their own trees. But the only monetary transaction required is a $10 per-tree permit to be paid at any of a number of ranger stations.
“A lot of people do this and make it a family affair,” said Renee Bodine, with the national forest’s public affairs department. “They like to go out together.”
Bodine said there are a number of trees growing in the wild that can be used as Christmas trees, although Nobles seem to be a popular choice.
Ranger stations are limited to accepting cash and check purchases only. They are typically open from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. throughout the week.
Officials advise that tree-seekers check road and weather conditions before going out. Many of the roads, trails and bridges in the area are impassible, so citizens should check with the ranger station on a safe route. The forest service encourages making the trip before substantial snow falls.
“Set out early in the day to allow for maximum daylight and let friends know where you are going and when to expect you back,” said Dave Kendrick, who oversees the forest service’s Christmas tree permit program.
Permit purchased at stations are only valid this year. Only one tree is allowed per tag and five per household. Those who cut down trees without permits are subject to $100 fines.
Maps of designated tree-cutting areas will be provided at the ranger stations upon permit payments.
Christmas tree recycling
Local boy scouts from Troops 425, 466, 701 and 706 will collect Christmas trees for recycling in Snoqualmie and North Bend on Jan. 10.
Scouts plan to deliver flyers to homes in mid-December. To participate, attach the flyer to your tree with a rubber band and leave it in your driveway by 8 a.m. on Jan. 10. A donation of $10 is suggested. Make any checks out to Troop 425.
Kirsten Weinmeister, Recycling Coordinator for the city of Snoqualmie, said there were hundreds of trees recycled through the program last year. For more information, contact her at 831-4919, ext. 23.
Snoqualmie Ranger Stations:
North Bend Office
902 SE North Bend Way
North Bend, WA (425) 888-1421
(Same operating hours as Enumclaw.)
Enumclaw Office
450 Roosevelt Avenue East
Enumclaw, WA (360) 825-6585
Monday-Friday 8 am-4:30 pm
November 29, 30 (Sat-Sun) 8 am-3:30 pm
December 6, 7 (Sat-Sun) 8 am-3:30 pm
December 13, 14 (Sat-Sun) 8 am-3:30 pm
Glacier Public Service Center
Mt. Baker Highway 542
Glacier, WA (360) 599-2714
November 29, 30 (Sat-Sun) 9 am-3 pm
December 6, 7 (Sat-Sun) 9 am-3 pm
December 13, 14 (Sat-Sun) 9 am-3 pm
Verlot Public Service Center
33515 Mountain Loop Highway
11 miles east of Granite Falls, WA
(360) 691-7791
All weekends beginning with
November 13-14 Thru
December 20-21 (Sat-Sun) 8am-3:30 pm
& Friday November 28th, 8 am-3:30 pm
REI Alderwood Store (only)
3000 184th Street SW
Lynnwood, WA (425) 640-6200
Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm
Sun 11 am-7 pm
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