It’s that time of year again, where officials have announced that free cedar Christmas tree permits and information — including maps and cutting guidelines — will be available beginning November 29 through Christmas Eve online.
That’s at landbetweenthelakes.us/reservationsandpermits.
Permits can only be obtained online, and it entitles a family to cut one cedar tree between those dates.
Cedar trees may be cut anywhere in Land Between the Lakes except:
+ Within sight of U.S. Highway 68/80
+ The Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway
+ Cemeteries
+ Nature Watch Areas
+ Campgrounds
+ Timber sale areas
+ Facilities, including the Elk & Bison Prairie
+ And other mowed areas
Yvonne Antes, silviculturist at LBL, noted that families should check along roadsides or within old forest openings for their tree, and that this program helps Land Between the Lakes maintain open lands and promote diverse wildlife habitat.
Trees must be cedar, less than 10 feet tall, and stumps left must be less than four inches tall. Chainsaws may be used. Use of trucks, winches, tractors or other heavy equipment is prohibited.
When choosing and using a cut tree in their home this Christmas:
+ Make it a fresh tree. If needles fall off easily, the tree is dry and can easily catch on fire.
+When setting up the tree, cut the base off two inches above the original cut to help the tree absorb more water.
+ Place the tree in a stable, tip-proof container and water it daily.
+ Place the tree away from heat sources such as heating vents, wood stoves, or open flames.
+ Be sure decorative lights are UL approved and in good condition. Never leave tree lights on while asleep or away from home. LED lights are a great way to save energy.
+ Discard the tree when it begins to show signs of drying, such as brown or yellow coloration, or excessive needle dropping.
