RUTLAND — U.S. Forest Service officials in Vermont are encouraging members of the public to purchase Christmas tree permits should they be interested in a $5 tree for the holidays. In recent years the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) program has continued to grow in popularity with 431 permits sold last calendar year. Christmas trees may be cut on the Green Mountain National Forest, subject to the following conditions:
•  A “Christmas Tree Removal” permit must be purchased ($5) at one of the Forest Service offices located in Rutland, Middlebury, Manchester Center, or Rochester.
•  The permit must be attached to the tree before it is transported from the site where it was cut.
•  The permit holder is responsible for knowing that the tree comes from Forest Service land. Maps are available when you purchase your permit.
•  Trees over 20 feet tall are not designated for cutting by the Christmas tree permit.
•  The height of the tree stump left after a tree has been cut should be six inches or less above the soil.
•  Christmas trees shall not be cut in active timber sales, wilderness areas, campgrounds, picnic areas, or within 25 feet of any Forest Service-, town-, or state-maintained road.
•  Only one Christmas tree permit will be issued per household per year.
•  Permits are not refundable.
•  Trees obtained under the Christmas tree permit may not be resold.
Permits may be purchased in Addison County at the Middlebury Ranger Station at 1007 Route 7 South in Middlebury. Call 388-4362 for more information.