The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin the sale of holiday tree permits Nov. 23.

Permits cost $10 each (cash or check only, no credit cards) with a limit of two permits per family.

Permit holders may choose from a variety of pine, fir or cedar in designated cutting areas and must abide by specific permit conditions for proper and responsible collection. Harvesting smaller diameter trees offers residents and visitors a traditional holiday experience while helping to thin the forest.

Permits will be available in two locations:

· On the South Shore, permits will be sold at the LTBMU Forest Supervisor’s office, 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe. This office is open Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm.

· On the North Shore, permits will be sold at the Incline Village Forest Service office, 855 Alder Ave., Incline Village. This office is open Wednesday through Friday from 8am-4:30pm. During winter weather driving conditions, call the Incline office to make sure it’s open — (775) 831.0914.

This year the LTBMU will issue 3,000 permits available on a first-come, first-served basis. The last day to purchase a permit at the South Lake Tahoe office is Dec. 24, and at the North Shore office the last day is Dec. 21.

Individuals purchasing permits will receive information to help them make the best selection, as well as maps designating the tree cutting areas.