Permits for cutting Christmas trees now available

British Columbians interested in cutting their own Christmas tree should obtain their permit online or contact their local forest district or FrontCounter BC office, the provincial government said this week.

Local forest district offices can provide details about specific cutting requirements and approved harvest areas. Free use permits are provided for personal use only – selling a tree cut under a Christmas tree permit or cutting in an unauthorized area is illegal.

When cutting a Christmas tree, harvesters are asked keep the following tips in mind:

• Leave home prepared. Bring ropes, gloves, tools, tire chains, a first aid kit, a mobile phone and warm clothing.

• Drive carefully. Be prepared for logging trucks: www.bcforestsafe.org/files/tk_pdfs/ gde_resrd.pdf

• Make sure you have found the tree you will use before cutting to avoid waste. Some permits specify only one tree can be cut.

• Choose a tree that can be cut near the base and is easy to transport. Wasted tree remains left in the forest form a summer fire hazard.

• Clean up and remove all debris associated with your activity.

The ministry’s Christmas tree website, www. for.gov.bc.ca/mof/xmastrees.htm, provides links to online Christmas tree permits, FrontCounter BC and district office contact information and the B.C. Christmas Tree Council’s website containing a list of tree farms and “U-Cuts” around the province.