It’s that time of year again when Land Between the Lakes offers free cedar Christmas trees to the public.
LBL spokesman Chris Joyner says permits for free cedar Christmas trees and information including maps and cutting guidelines will be available November 25 through December 24 on the Land Between the Lakes Recreation website: www.landbetweenthelakes.us/reservations. He says permits can only be obtained online.
According to Joyner, a permit entitles a family to cut one cedar tree during this time period anywhere in LBL except:
– Within sight of U.S. Highway 68/KY Route 80
– Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway
– Cemeteries
– Nature Watch Areas
– Campgrounds
– Timber sale areas
– Facilities, including the Elk & Bison Prairie
– Other mowed areas
Silviculturist Yvonne Antes of LBL says taking the family out into the woods to look for the perfect Christmas tree is a great holiday tradition. She suggested checking along roadsides or within old forest openings to find your tree. She says the cedar tree program also helps LBL maintain open lands and promote a diverse wildlife habitat.
Trees that are cut must be cedar, less than 10 feet tall, and the stumps must be less than 4 inches tall. Chainsaws can be used, but the use of trucks, winches, tractors, or other heavy equipment is prohibited. The cutting rules and regulations can be found on the LBL reservations page.
Whether your family cuts or purchases a tree, you should follow these safety guidelines for choosing and using a cut tree in your home this Christmas:
– Choose a fresh tree. If needles fall off easily, the tree is dry and can easily catch on fire.
– When setting up your 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.
While most of LBL was unaffected by tornado damage, Joyner indicates there are significant areas of damaged timber. He says care needs to be taken when recreating in and around these areas. In addition, the public is urged to be aware of loose overhead limbs as well as logging operations.
