The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin selling Christmas tree permits Nov. 7.

Permits cost $10 each (cash or check preferred on South Shore, cash or check only on North Shore and in Tahoe City), 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 the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Permits will be sold at:

·         Forest Supervisor’s office, 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe. This office is open Monday through Friday from 8am-4:30pm.

·        Incline Village Forest Service office, 855 Alder Ave., Incline Village beginning Nov. 9.  This office is open Wednesday through Friday from 8am-4:30pm.

·         North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center, 100 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City. This office is open from 9am-5pm daily.

Designated cutting area maps are provided at the time of permit purchase. Permit holders should follow permit guidelines for responsible collection, including not trespassing on private property when entering or leaving National Forest cutting areas. Observe seasonal road closures and be prepared to hike to the cutting area to find a tree. No off-road travel is allowed. Park in legal areas and do not block gates.

In support of the Every Kid in a Park program, the LTBMU 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 free Christmas tree permit, fourth-grade students must obtain the paper voucher online, present the printed voucher in person along with their parent or guardian to a participating Forest Service office and participate in the cutting of the Christmas tree.  To obtain the paper voucher and to learn more about the Every Kid in a Park program, go online.