Do you have family stories to share about finding a Christmas tree?

      You know, the one that didn't fit in your living room once you brought it home? The one that the cat climbed up the tree trunk of, to the very top branches, which brought the tree down?  The one you finally selected in the dark after being in the cold for a time, only you didn't notice its odd shape until you got home-so you conveniently turned that side to the back corner of the room?

        Looking for the perfect Christmas tree is a great family tradition. This season, why not make a trip into the forest to find and cut your tree?.

        The Boise and Payette National Forests (NF) are selling Christmas tree permits through December 24. Each permit allows one tree to be cut, with a limit of three permits per family. The cost of a permit for one tree is $10 and the maximum height of a permitted tree is 12'.  In both Forests, families are most likely to find Douglas fir trees which are good for Christmas trees because they have the most branches and the least amount of open space between branches. 

        Remember, they are all natural untrimmed and unshaped trees.  So a tree might not be "perfect," but it's a perfect outing and experience for Idaho families (and, you might have some new stories to share throughout the holidays too!).

RECYCLE YOUR TREE

For information on recycling your Christmas tree, contact the Boise Public Works, 384-3901, www.cityofboise.org; or Allied Waste Services, 345-1265, www.awidaho.com.

WHERE TO OBTAIN A PERMIT

Boise National Forest, Interagency Visitor Information Center, 1387 S. Vinnell Way, Boise, 373-4007, http://fs.usda.gov/boise

Idaho City Ranger District, 3833 Hwy. 21, (208) 392-6681

Mountain Home Ranger District, 2180 American Legion Blvd., (208) 587-7961

Cascade Ranger District, 540 N. Main St., (208) 382-7400

Emmett Ranger District, 1805 Hwy. 16, Rm. 5, (208) 365-7000

Lowman Ranger District, 7359 Hwy. 21, (208) 259-3361

Garden Valley Guard Station, 119 Banks-Lowman Rd., (208) 462-3241

McCall Ranger District, 102 W. Lake St., (208) 634-0400

SAFETY IN THE FOREST

Remember winter survival and driving techniques;

• Try to use a 4-wheel drive vehicle
• Bring the correct tools, saw, and a shovel
• Take emergency equipment, food and water, extra clothing
• Advise neighbors, relatives, or friends of your route and itinerary
• Follow the instructions, restrictions, and tips on your permit
• Call ahead and check for road conditions, updates, and possible closures