News Release

US Forest Service
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 
35 College Drive
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Public Affairs (530) 543-2627
Fax: (530) 543-2743

Date: November 18, 2008
Contact: Public Affairs, Cheva Heck (530) 543-2608 or Rex Norman (530) 543-2627
General Information: (530) 543-2694

Holiday Tree Permit Sales to Begin in the Lake Tahoe Basin

South Lake Tahoe, CA. --Beginning Monday, November 24, The US 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. Permits cost $10.00 each (cash or check only- no credit cards), and there will be 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 permit conditions for proper and responsible collection.

Permit sales will be available at two locations:

• On the South Shore, permits will be sold at the LTBMU Forest Supervisor's Office at 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, beginning Monday, November 24. Sales will continue Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through Wednesday, December 24.
• On the North Shore, permits will be sold at the Forest Service Office at 3080 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, beginning Tuesday, November 25. Sales will continue Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12 Noon, and 12:45 to 4:30 p.m., through Wednesday, December 24. During wintry weather and driving conditions, call the North Shore Office to determine permit sale availability, at (530) 583-3593.

Individuals purchasing permits will receive information to help them make the best selection, as well as maps designating the tree cutting areas.

Please be aware that both offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, November 27.

In addition to the traditional experience, the permitted collection of smaller diameter trees, with a trunk of 6 inches in diameter or less, from selected areas will contribute to a reduction of over-growth, particularly among firs, which are also the most sought after varieties over the holidays.

Permit holders are reminded to respect private property and not trespass when entering or leaving designated National Forest cutting areas.

For more information, contact the Forest Supervisor's Office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at (530) 543-2694 or visit our Holiday Tree Web Page.

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