Permits to cut down Christmas trees now on sale

Published 6:03 pm Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Permits to cut Christmas trees in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest are on sale through Dec. 24.

Cutting areas are within national forestlands in King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties. Maps and information about cutting areas are provided where permits are sold at ranger stations and the Verlot and Glacier public service centers. Permits also are sold at REI outlets at the Alderwood mall and Seattle.

They cost $10 each, one tree per permit, with a tree height limit of 12 feet. The permits are nonrefundable. Trees taller than 12 feet require a special permit at a minimum price of $20. Credit cards are not accepted at Forest Service offices or the Seattle REI store, but the REI at Alderwood will take them.

You also need to buy a parking permit if the trip includes parking in a designated Sno-Park lot. Most trees are accessible only by narrow, unplowed mountain roads. High-clearance vehicles are often required along with tire chains and a shovel.

Darrington Ranger Station: 1405 Emens Ave. N., Darrington; 360-436-1155.

Verlot Public Service Center: 33515 Mountain Loop Highway, Granite Falls; 360-691-7791.

Skykomish Ranger Station: 74920 NE U.S. 2, Skykomish; 360-677-2414.

U-cut trees: Watch for the list of U-cut tree farms in the Nov. 27 Good Life section of The Herald.

Herald staff