Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Cut your own Christmas Tree in the White Mountain National Forest




White Mountain National Forest Christmas Trees
Campton, NH - Cutting your own Christmas tree can be an enjoyable adventure for the
entire family. This year you may want to plan a visit to your National Forest!Bundle up,
make a lunch, bring your handsaw or ax and look for that special tree. You will need a
permit, sharp saw, thermos of cocoa and a little patience.

A Christmas tree permit can be purchased for $5 from the White Mountain National
Forest. Offices are located in Campton, Lincoln, Gorham and Conway NH. A reminder
that the Androscoggin Ranger Station in Gorham, NH is offering limited services due to
building maintenance and is closed on the weekend. The Saco Ranger District in
Conway, NH is also now closed on weekends. Please plan ahead for any informational
needs and permits. For more information about the White Mountain National Forest,
office hours, and recreation opportunities - including recreation and road closures due to
storm damage - visit www.fs.fed.us/r9/white.

Several different types of evergreen grow in the White Mountain National Forest. Many
people prefer the balsam fir because of fragrance and needle retention. Others prefer
the spruce because of the fullness of the branches and the classic shape. Keep in mind
that a wild tree may not have the perfect appearance of a commercial tree. Be
prepared to do some real searching. Somewhere out there is your ideal Christmas tree!

Please remember:
• Trees are for personal use only, not for resale. Each family may cut one tree
per permit.
• Use only hand tools to cut Christmas trees. Chainsaws are not permitted.
• Make sure you are on National Forest land. Respect the rights of landowners
when crossing private property.
• Do not cut trees in or near campgrounds, picnic areas, Experimental Forests,
Wilderness, timber sale areas, or within 100' of a state highway. When you purchase
the permit ask if there are any known "off limit" areas.
• Do not cut trees larger than 8" in diameter at chest height. Pack down limb piles
low enough so they are within 2' of the ground. Scatter limbs and wood at least 25 feet
away from roads, streams, hiking trails, and property boundaries.
• Cut your tree so remaining stumps will be less than 10" in height.
• Attach your tree tag after cutting and before transporting your tree.
Be prepared for winter -- dress appropriately in warm clothing, and make your day a
safe one!

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