TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX) – If you’re thinking about putting up a real tree in your home this Christmas, you can buy a tree-cutting permit from the Sawtooth National Forest beginning Nov. 18.

A permit, which allows a family or organization to cut one tree up to 20 feet tall, are $10 and valid until Dec. 25. Depending on the location, several varieties of trees are available including Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, pinyon pine and subalpine fir.

We encourage people to take extra food and clothing," says Karl Fuelling, a forester with the Sawtooth National Forest, "and let someone know where you plan to go and when you plan to return.

The Forest Service says people should use caution when going into the backcountry to find their tree.

“Weather and road conditions can change quite rapidly at this time of the year,” Karl Fuelling, a forester with the office, said in a prepared statement. “We encourage people to take extra food and clothing and let someone know where you plan to go and when you plan to return.

“We strongly recommend that people check with the Forest Service office closest to the area where they plan to cut their tree. Conditions on the ground vary greatly from area to area throughout the Forest. In some places it may be necessary to cross-country ski or use a snow machine to access cutting areas.

He said people will be provided information, including maps and rules for cutting trees, when they come in to purchase their permit. Permits may be purchased at the following locations and times:

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Burley area
Minidoka Ranger District Office: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Naf Store, south of Malta: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Saturday

Fairfield area
Fairfield Ranger District Office: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Camas Creek Country Store: 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday; 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday

Ketchum area
Ketchum Ranger District Office: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Sawtooth NRA Headquarters Office: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 and 17
LL Green Hardware in Hailey: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Stanley area
Stanley Ranger Station: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday

Twin Falls area
Forest Supervisor’s Office: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Rock Creek General Store: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Saturday
Hansen Quick Stop & Go: 5 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Saturday

 

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