VERMONT — U.S. Forest Service officials in Vermont are encouraging the public to purchase Christmas tree removal permits, should they be interested in a $5 tree for the holidays.
This year, all fourth-graders can take advantage of the Every Kid in a Park Initiative and get a free Christmas tree voucher; see www.nationalparks.org/ook/every-kid-in-a-park. Fourth-graders that present a printed copy of the voucher may redeem it for an EKIP Pass and a Christmas tree removal permit at one of the U.S. Forest offices. This is a one-time opportunity to cut down a Christmas tree on national forest land during the 2015 holiday season.
Christmas trees for personal use may be cut on the Green Mountain National Forest, subject to the following conditions:
• A $5 Christmas tree removal permit must be purchased at one of the Forest Service offices located in Rutland, Middlebury, Manchester Center or Rochester.
• The permit must be attached to the tree before transporting it 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.
For a Christmas tree removal permit, Addison County residents may visit the Middlebury Ranger Station at 1007 Route 7 South. For more information, call the ranger station at 802-388-4362.