MENDOCINO CO., 11/12/18 —You can now go cut down your own Christmas tree in the National Forest, for the cost of a $10 permit and the effort of getting out there, finding the perfect tree, and hauling it back home. The program began November 1 and lasts through Christmas Eve. And, if there’s a fourth grader in your family, they are eligible for a free tree permit as part of the U.S. Forest Service’s “Every Kid in a Park” initiative.
The permits are limited to one tree per family, and you can get a permit at a number of different USFS stations, retailers, and through the mail. Permits are available at USFS offices, including the Covelo and Upper Lake ranger stations, as well several stores, and through the mail. You can call ahead to make sure the station is open and permits are available.
Here’s all the details from the USFS:
Forest to offer Christmas tree permits starting November 1
WILLOWS, Calif. – Christmas tree cutting in the National Forest is a chance to take the family out into the woods and cut a tree the old-fashioned way. Christmas tree permits will be available for purchase at Mendocino National Forest offices on Thursday, Nov. 1. The last day to purchase permits is Friday, Dec. 21. The $10.00 permit allows the holder to cut one tree in designated areas until December 24.Permits are limited to one per household and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits are good for this year only. Individuals may also purchase a permit by mail. Mail-in requests received after December 14 will not be filled. The Mail Order Form is posted on the forest website: http://tinyurl.com/h8x4hwd. All offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day Nov. 24, but will be open on Friday, Nov. 25.
USFS Press Release
As part of the Every Kid in a Park initiative, all fourth graders are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit upon presenting a valid fourth grade pass. The pass allows free access to federal lands and waters across the country for a full year. To obtain a free Christmas tree permit, the fourth grader must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and present their fourth grade pass or paper voucher. For more information about this initiative and how to obtain a fourth grade pass, please visitwww.everykidinapark.gov.
Christmas tree permits will be available at the following:
Mendocino National Forest Supervisor’s Office/Grindstone Ranger District Office
825 N. Humboldt Ave., Willows, CA 95988
(530) 934-3316
Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Stonyford Work Center
5171 Stonyford-Elk Creek Road, Stonyford, CA, 95979
(530) 963-3128
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Covelo Ranger Station
78150 Covelo Road, Covelo, CA 95428
(707) 983-6118
Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Upper Lake Ranger Station
10025 Elk Mountain Road, Upper Lake, CA 95485
(707) 275-2361
Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-4:30 p.m.
Paskenta Work Station
13280 Paskenta Road, Paskenta, CA 96074
530-833-5544
Hours: Saturday, Nov. 24, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, and Dec. 15 ONLY 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Permits may also be available from the following vendors; please call ahead for availability:
Hi-Way Grocery – Upper Lake
(707) 275-2380
Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
M&M Feed and Supply – Covelo
(707) 983-6273
Monday – Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Keith’s Family Foods – Covelo
(707) 983-6633
Seven days a week 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
For more information, including tree cutting tips, please see the forest website http://tinyurl.com/h5o8h3hor call 530-934-3316.
Unfortunately, this year, due to the fires, some parts of the Mendocino National Forest remained closed. Here is that info from the USFS Facebook page: