How to cut your own Christmas tree for $5

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Story Published: Nov 14, 2008 at 10:10 AM PST

This is a press release courtesy USDA Forest Service

Christmas tree permits are, or soon will be, available at Willamette National Forest Ranger District offices in Detroit, Sweet Home, McKenzie Bridge, and Westfir, as well as several businesses. | LIST

Personal use permits are $5 each, allow the holders to cut one tree and a maximum of five permits can be purchased by one household.

Being well prepared for your Christmas tree outing is the best way to enjoy the day.

Bring a handsaw or axe as well as winter clothing and safety equipment.
Tire chains and a shovel are recommended
Take extra food, drinking water, blankets, a flashlight, first aid kit and survival gear.
Tree cutting and travel may take longer than anticipated, so get an early start and leave the woods well before dark.
To keep the tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard, leave it outside until you are ready to put it in a stand, then cut the trunk at an angle and keep it in plenty of water.

People can purchase permits and receive maps of cutting areas at Ranger District offices on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some offices will be open on the following weekend dates:

Ranger District, and 1st day of sales	Weekend Dates Open	Ranger District, and 1st day of sales	Weekend Dates Open
Middle Fork 541-782-2283 Monday, Nov. 10th	Nov. 29, 30; Dec. 6,7; Dec. 13,14 (8:30 – 3:00) Smokey visits Dec 6, 13, & 14 from 9-2.	Sweet Home 541-367-5168 Mon, Nov 24th	None
McKenzie River 541-822-3381 Monday, Nov 10th	Nov 29; Dec. 6* (9:00 – 2:00) *Smokey visits both days	Detroit 503.854.3366 Monday, Nov 17th	None

Business*	Town	Business	Town
CG Market (937.3124)	Lowell	Leaburg Country Store (896.0500)	Leaburg
Jasper Store (746.2032)	Jasper	Mather's Market (726.8570)	Cedar Flats
Rascals Market (782.3704)	Oakridge	Midway Grocery (367.1552)	Sweet Home
Meyers General Store & Spirit Shop (822.3531)	Blue River	Lakeside Market (367.3397)	Foster
Harbicks Country Store (822-3575)	McKenzie Bridge	Mountain High Grocery (503 854.3696)	Detroit
McKenzie Bridge General Store (822-3221)	McKenzie Bridge	Lake Detroit Market (503.854.3433)	Detroit
Vida Community Market (896-3261)	Vida

*All area codes are 541 unless otherwise noted.

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