Forest service tree permits available Nov. 16
Robert Stevens
Managing editor
11-10-2016
EPHRAIM–If you want to cut down your Christmas tree, permits to do so will be on sale at the Sanpete District office of the Manti-LaSal National Forest beginning Nov. 16 until sold out.
Permits cost $10 each, with a limit of three permits per person. The office, located at 540 North Main Street, Ephraim, is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Permits purchased in the Sanpete District must be used in the Sanpete District, except at places closed to tree cutting.
Permits purchased on other districts of the forest may not be used in the Sanpete District.
Fourth graders who have an “Every Kid in a Park” pass, may bring the pass to the District Office to receive a free Christmas Tree permit.
Free permits will be issued until the supply is exhausted. A parent or guardian at least 18 years old should accompany the student. Free permits will not be issued unless the student is present.
Fourth-grade students can get the pass at https://everykidinapark.gov. The paper pass printed off the website can be exchanged for a plastic pass at the District Office, which allows fourth-graders free access to federal lands and waters across the country for a full year.
Those purchasing permits at the office will need to provide a check, exact change or a debit or credit card. Cash is preferred to allow for faster processing. There are no refunds. Permits will not be available by mail or phone order.
For customer convenience, permits will also be sold by local vendors: Choice Hardware & Home Center, 1005 N. Main, Nephi; Horseshoe Mountain Home Center, 1095 Highway 89, Mt. Pleasant; Rasmussen Ace Hardware, 435 South Main, Gunnison and Tractor Supply, 828 North Main Street, Ephraim.
The district will have 2,700 permits to sell, which has been sufficient to meet the demand in the past, but within limits needed to sustain the Christmas tree cutting program from year to year.
The Sanpete District is west of Skyline Drive. The staffer selling tags will issue each purchaser a map and cutting instructions.
Customers traveling long distances for permits should call in advance to determine if permits are still available.
Vehicle access, except for snow machines, must be confined to established roads on the Forest. Roads may be muddy, snow packed and slick. Be prepared for winter driving conditions.
For updates on availability, see http://www.fs.usda.gov/mantilasal/.
