If you're looking to cut down your own Christmas tree this year, mark your calendar: Christmas-tree cutting permits for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will go on sale November 10 at forest offices and select Big 5 Sporting Goods locations in Arizona.
The forests will make 3,000 permits available, for any tree species, at all five ranger districts, the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center and the forest supervisor's office in Springerville. In addition, 4,500 permits will be available at Big 5 locations to be announced at a later date.
Permits are $15 for a tree up to 10 feet tall, and there's a limit of one per household. The trees must be cut within designated cutting areas, and the cutting season lasts until December 24. For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/asnf and click on "Passes and Permits."
Other national forests in Arizona are likely to announce their tree-cutting permit processes soon. We'll bring you that information on our blog as soon as we get it.
Photo: Keith Zimmerman | Hannagan Meadow