Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
The US Forest Service is Encouraging Upper Peninsula families to explore the forest this holiday season when searching for a Christmas Tree. Both the Ottawa and Hiawatha National Forests are inviting residents to come to the forest and cut their own tree this year. Tree permits cost $5 and can be picked up at the nearest ranger station. Along with the permit, participants will receive cutting guidelines, and information pertaining to flame proofing your tree.
The agency also invites families to upload photos of their outing, which will be posted on the services Facebook page.
Press Release-
Did you know holiday trees are available for cutting on Hiawatha National Forest land? If you are one who likes the “thrill of the hunt” — the excitement of trudging through the snow in search of the perfect tree — then we have the perfect opportunity for you! For the price of a “tree tag” ($5) and a little sweat, you can cut your own tree from National Forest land! To obtain a permit, in the form of a “tree tag,” stop at your local Ranger District office beginning November 15. Along with your permit you will receive tree cutting guidelines, information regarding cutting areas, and suggestions for flame-proofing your tree.
If you buy a tree tag and cut your tree on the Hiawatha National Forest, we invite you to send us your favorite photo of your family’s tree-cutting outing via our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HiawathaNF/. Photo Release forms are required and are available at http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd478711.pdf or at our District Offices. We’ll use the photos to create an online holiday tree-cutting photo album that we hope will add to the fun of cutting your tree and spread the idea of getting outdoors in the winter.
For more information about tree tags, contact one of the following US Forest Services. Call our offices Monday through Friday 8-4:30: Munising (906) 387-2512; Rapid River (906) 474-6442, or St. Ignace (906) 643-7900.
About the U.S. Forest Service
National Forest System lands provide 20 percent of America’s drinking water. The Forest Service manages 193 million acres of land and is the largest forestry research organization in the world. The mission of the U.S. Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/.
