We're recycling a blog post this week because the subject matter is very important: Christmas trees! 

If you're new to Bend, you might not know that one of the most "Bend things" you can do is chop your own Christmas tree. Some people make an entire day out of it: grilling, celebrating, and searching for the perfect tree. 

The Forest Service has outlined some tips for choosing the right tree this winter! 

The most popular tree species used for Holiday Trees are Douglas-fir, White fir, Incense Cedar and sometimes, Lodgepole and Ponderosa Pines.
In general, pines can be found on flatter ground at lower elevations around Bend and on south and west facing slopes around Prineville. Firs and Cedars are found at higher elevations around Bend and Sisters and on north and east facing slopes around Prineville.

Guidelines and Restrictions for collecting your Christmas Trees

• One permit is required for each Christmas Tree.... Five permits maximum, per household. (Can you imagine putting 5 Christmas trees in your house?!!) Permits are $5.00 each.
• Per the Every Kid in a Park Program, all 4th graders are entitled to one FREE Christmas tree permit with a valid EKIAP pass. Learn more here.
• Christmas Tree permits must be validated and attached to your tree during transit.
• Cut your Christmas Tree only on National Forest lands. National Forest maps are available for sale at the Wanderlust office! 
• Select any tree species that is less than 12 feet tall.
• Only take a tree that is within 15 feet of another tree.
• Cut stumps shorter than 12 inches.
• Respect road and area closures.
  
  Please do not cut trees:
  • On private property.
  • Within 150 feet of state highways, picnic areas, campgrounds, and other developed areas.
  • Within 300 feet of streams and bodies of water.
  • Within young tree plantations (Nursery-grown seedlings planted for future forests).

TREE CUTTING PERMITS:

• Butler Market South, 61396 S. Hwy 97, 383-0146 
• C.E. Lovejoy's Brookswood Market, 19530 Amber Meadow Drive, 388-1188
• Powder House, 311 S.W. Century Drive, 389-6234 (right on the way up to the mountain!)

We can't wait to get our tree this year! We're going use every inch of those 12 feet and get the biggest tree we can find! We invite you to come see it in our office by the end of the week!