Black Hills National Forest

US Forest Service
Black Hills National Forest
1019 N. 5th Street
Custer, SD 57730
605-673-9200

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
605-673-9227

News Release

USDA Forest Service

Black Hills National Forest

Contact: Rick Hudson (605) 673 - 9200, or email us at r2 blackhills webinfo@fs.fed.us

NATIONAL FOREST CHRISTMAS TREE PERMITS AVAILABLE

CUSTER, SD: NOVEMBER 10, 2008

Cut your own fresh Christmas tree this year from the Black Hills National Forest.

Beginning November 10, 2008, you can buy tags at area Black Hills Forest Service offices in western South Dakota and northeast Wyoming. Friday, December 21, is the last day permits will be sold at Forest Service offices.

White spruce, ponderosa pine and western juniper are available and can be cut in many parts of the Forest. The maximum height of cut trees is 20 feet. The entire tree must be cut, and any unused branches must be cut so they lie flat on the ground with a stump no more than six inches high. After Christmas, used trees should be disposed of properly as yard waste.

Each tree costs $10. An adhesive tag must be attached to each tree before removal from the woods; a citation may be issued for possessing an untagged Christmas tree, even if a tag is available in the vehicle. Trees are for personal use only and cannot be resold. There are no refunds for uncut trees or unused permits, and all permits expire December 26th.

Permits are available by mail from the Forest Supervisor's Office, 1019 North 5th Street, Custer, SD 57730. Enclose a check or money order in the amount of $10 for each tree, up to a maximum of five trees per individual. The Forest Service will mail permit tags and cutting instructions.

Trees may not be cut in developed recreation sites or Forest Service administrative sites, active timber sales, Black Hills Experimental Forest near Rochford, Black Elk Wilderness, Beaver Park area near Sturgis, or within Spearfish Canyon.

Permits are available at these Forest Service offices:

1) Rapid City, SD - Mystic Ranger District office, 8221 South Hwy 16, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday December 6th and Saturday December 13th from 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Phone 605.343.1567.

2) Custer, SD - Forest Supervisor's office, 1019 North 5Th Street, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone 605.673.9200.

3) Newcastle, WY - Hell Canyon District office, 1225 Washington Blvd., Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone 307.746.2782.

4) Spearfish, SD - Northern Hills Ranger District office, 2014 North Main St., Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30. Phone 605.642.4622.

5) Sundance, WY - Bearlodge Ranger District office, Highway 14 East, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone 307.283.1361.

6) Hot Springs, SD – Nebraska N.F., Fall River Ranger District office, 1801 Hwy 18 Truck Bypass, Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Phone 605.745.4107.

Several private venders throughout the Black Hills area will also be selling permits. Call your local Forest Service office or check the Black Hills N.F. website for a listing at http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/. Current venders include: in Rapid City at Boyd’s, in Hill City at Mistletoe Ranch, in Sundance at Rapid Stop Conoco, Hwy. 14 and I-90, in Sturgis at Cenex Convenience Store, 2030 Lazelle Street, in Deadwood at the Chamber of Commerce and in Spearfish at the Minitman Too, 611 E. Jackson.

All Forest Service offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. The Forest Service office in Rapid City will be open Saturday, December 6th , and Saturday, December 13th, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Call your local Forest Service office or check the forest’s website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/ for the latest schedule.

Trees should be placed in water as soon as possible to help keep needles fresh. Once indoors, trees should be placed away from stoves, heaters, or heating ducts. After Christmas, used trees should be disposed of properly as yard waste. Please do not dump used trees on national forest land.

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