Gifford Pinchot National Forest

	USDA Forest Service Gifford Pinchot National Forest Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
For Immediate Release: November 16, 2006
Contact: Chris Strebig (360) 891-5005

Forest Offering Special Forest Product Permits

Christmas Tree Permits to go on sale November 17

VANCOUVER, WA –– Stressing public safety and preparedness, forest officials are resuming issuing Special Forest Product Permits after temporarily suspending them as a result of the recent significant flooding and Forest road damage. Due to lowering snow levels, landslides, and fallen trees, some areas of the Forest are inaccessible. Visitors should take precautions before traveling on Forest roads, including checking weather conditions, calling the local Forest office or checking the Forest website for the latest road conditions, and carrying the appropriate safety items such as tire chains, shovel, food and water, and extra warm clothes. Visitors are reminded that they travel at their own risk on Forest roads, and cell phone coverage does not exist in much of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Beginning Friday, November 17, permits will be available at several locations for cutting a Christmas tree from the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Permits may be purchased for $5 per tree at all Ranger District offices, Forest Headquarters in Vancouver, and at several commercial vendor locations. Please contact your nearest Forest office for more details.

Early in the season some areas receive heavy snowfall which limits access to available trees. Before setting out on your trip, call the Forest office nearest your destination for the latest in road and weather updates. Be alert for unpredictable weather and hazardous driving conditions. Current road status reports can also be found on the Forest's web site. For information on Mount St. Helens and other Forest closures see the Forest Special Conditions web page.

Special Instructions:
* As always, the legislated National Volcanic Monument is closed to tree cutting.
* Christmas tree permits are not refundable for any reason.
* Tree cutting is prohibited in Wildernesses, developed campgrounds, administrative sites, within 300 feet of streams, on private or state-owned lands within national forest boundaries, and in other posted areas.
* Gifford Pinchot National Forest Christmas tree permits are not valid on private or state land ownerships.
* Cutting on private lands is subject to trespass action.
* If unsure about areas available for tree cutting, contact the nearest Forest office.

Safety Tips:
* Be prepared for cold and changing winter weather conditions.
* Carry tire chains, shovel, flashlights, and blanket in your vehicle.
* Bring extra food and hot beverages.
* Arrive at your Christmas tree cutting area early to avoid travel in the dark.
* Wear proper winter clothing and carry extras in case you get wet.
* Most national forest roads are not maintained or snowplowed during the winter.
* Drive safely and slowly - turn on your lights and watch for ice.
* Let someone know where you are going and when to expect you back.

A Christmas Tree Cutting Fact Sheet is available at our Forest Service offices. A list of local tree permit vendors is available on the Forest website. All offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Forest conditions are changing rapidly and crews are in the field assessing the situation and conducting repairs as they can. As updated information on road conditions is available it will be posted on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest web site:
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/recreation/current-conditions/special.shtml

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US Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Vancouver, WA
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Amboy, WA
Last Modified: Thursday, 16 November 2006 at 14:33:46 EST