by:  Elizabeth Sedway, TahoeKidsGuide.com
November 18, 2011

For the price of a $10 permit  (cash or check, no credit card), you can cut your own Christmas Tree at designated locations in the Lake Tahoe National Forest. Not only will your family enjoy the traditional experience of  cutting their own tree, but also, according the the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, you will be assisting in the reduction of overgrowth in the National Forest.

Permits are now available for purchase through December 16, 2011 at the folowing Forest Service office at Lake Tahoe: 

• On the south shore, permits will be sold at the LTBMU Forest Supervisor's Office located at 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA, For more information, call (530) 543-2694.

Forest Service officials will assist permit purchasers with infomation to help them choose the best location and tree type.  For more information, contact the Forest Supervisor's Office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at (530) 543-2694.

While the last day to purchase a permit is December 16th, you may use the permit to cut down a tree through December 24, 2011. If there is a significant amount of snow, you will need to bring along snowshoes, warm waterproof/water resistant pants and gloves. 

You will also need a saw to cut down your tree. Below is a picture of the saw we've used for several years.

Lake Tahoe Road Conditions

How to dress kids for snow play