Gifford Pinchot National Forest

	USDA Forest Service Gifford Pinchot National Forest Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
For Immediate Release: December 06, 2005
Contact: Tom Knappenberger (360) 891-5005 or Roger Peterson (360) 891-5007

Access to Christmas Trees Hampered by Early Snowfall

VANCOUVER, WA ––With additional snow forecast for the Cascades early this week, many Forest roads are becoming increasingly hazardous or impassable above 1,500 feet. This is limiting access to most usual Christmas tree cutting areas on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

An unusual early December snowfall, in the Cascades, last week produced two to three feet of new snow at elevations above two thousand feet. This early snowfall also left snow on the roads above 1,500 feet, which freezes overnight and results in icy conditions even at the lower elevations.

“I encountered almost two dozen vehicles stuck on Forest roads this past weekend,” said Gifford Pinchot Law Enforcement officer Dan Fahrni. “It is unusual for us to have so much snow this early in December, and people need to come prepared to encounter significantly more snow than usual.”

Most Forest roads are now potentially hazardous to travel. Please make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for winter travel; carry emergency equipment and chains and plan as if you might have to spend the night. Your safety depends on good planning and good judgment. For updates on weather and road conditions, contact Forest Service offices and for state wide road information visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/

What are my options for obtaining a Christmas tree?

• Roads are plowed and maintained to Sno-Parks from which you can ski and snowmobile to find a Christmas tree. A Sno-Park permit is required for parking at Sno-Parks. Sno-Park permits cost $9 per vehicle for a one-day pass and $21 per vehicle for a season winter pass. Please check the Forest website for current conditions at the Sno-Parks.

• If you have already purchased a Christmas tree permit and do not feel you are properly equipped for obtaining a tree from the Forest this year, you may use your permit through 2008. Permits are valid-one per tree-over a three year period.

• There are a number of local options for obtaining your Christmas tree, either through local retailers, private or charitable organizations or at local U-Cut Christmas Tree farms.

* * *

US Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Vancouver, WA
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Amboy, WA
Last Modified: Tuesday, 06 December 2005 at 14:28:07 EST