The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin the sale of Christmas tree permits on Nov. 16 and end Dec. 24 at noon.

Permits cost $10 each (cash or check are preferred on the South Shore, cash or check only, no credit cards on the North Shore), with a limit of two permits per family. Permits must be purchased in person, are not transferable and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Permit holders may choose from a variety of pine, fir or cedar in designated cutting areas.

In support of Every Kid in a Park, established under presidential proclamation, the Forest Service will offer one free Christmas tree permit to fourth-grade students who present a valid paper voucher or durable Every Kid in a Park pass. To obtain the paper voucher, go online.

Cutting a Christmas tree offers a traditional holiday experience, while helping to thin the forest of excessive smaller diameter trees, which creates a healthier forest over time.

Maps to designated cutting areas are provided at the time of purchase.