Willamette National Forest Christmas Tree Permits Now Available

Be well prepared for your Christmas tree outing by bringing a handsaw or axe as well as winter clothing and safety equipment.

Image courtesy: www.ofct.com

(DETROIT, Ore. ) - Christmas tree permits are now available at Willamette National Forest Ranger District offices in Detroit, Sweethome, McKenzie Bridge, and Westfir, as well as several area businesses.

Personal use permits are $5 each, and allows 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, as is 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 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Some offices will be open on the following weekend dates:

Middle Fork Ranger District - 541-782-2283

Nov. 24, 25; Dec. 1,2**; Dec. 8,9: Dec. 15,16 - (8:30 – 3:00) **Smokey visits Dec 1 & 2 from 9-2. McKenzie River Ranger District - 541-822-3381 Friday, Nov. 23 Dec. 8 & 15*** (10:00 – 3:00) ***Smokey visits both days Sweet Home Ranger District - 541-367-5168 Dec. 8 (8:00 to 4:00); Dec. 9 (10:00 - 4:00)

Note: Detroit Ranger District will not be open weekends, and the Supervisor's Office in Eugene will not be selling permits.

As a service to customers, the following businesses will also sell Forest Service Christmas tree permits:

• CG Market - Lowell - (541-937-3124)
• Leaburg Country Store - Leaburg (541-896-0500)
• Fall Creek Market - Fall Creek - (541-746-3068)
• Mather's Market- Cedar Flats - (541-726-8570)
• Jasper Store - Jasper - (541-746-2032)
• Midway Grocery - Sweet Home - (541-367-1173)
• Rascals Market - Oakridge - (541-782-3704)
• Lakeside Market - Foster - (541-367-3397)
• Meyers General Store & Spirit Shop - Blue River - (541-822-3531)
• Mountain High Grocery - Detroit - (503-854-3696)
• Harbicks Country Store - McKenzie Bridge - (541-822-3575)
• Lake Detroit Market - Detroit - (503-854-3433)
• McKenzie Bridge General Store - McKenzie Bridge - (541-822-3221)
• Lake Center Hardware - Detroit - (503-854-3762)
• Vida Community Market - Vida - (541-896-3261)
• River’s Run Gas - Detroit - (503-854-3039)