Christmas Tree Permits Available

Through Dec. 24 they will be sold at Tonto National Forest offices.

AZBW | Dec 01, 20150

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The Tonto National Forest are selling Christmas tree permits at Mesa, Payson, and Pleasant Valley Ranger districts and at the Supervisors Office at the hours and locations listed below.

Permits will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis until they are gone. In recent years, the Forest has not run out of permits.

Permits can be purchased in person with cash, check, or credit card. Customers will be provided a map that shows the designated cutting areas along with additional Christmas tree cutting instructions. The permit will allow the holder to cut a tree within a designated area through Thursday, Dec. 24.

It is important to note that Tonto National Forest Christmas tree permits will only be available for purchase at the four Tonto National Forest offices. Permits cannot be mailed.

Rules For Christmas Tree Permits

• Each Christmas tree permit is $15 and allows permit holders to cut a tree up to 10 feet tall;

• One tree per household,

• One person may purchase up to four permits for other families, not living in the household;

• Permits are for personal use only;

• Trees must be cut within designated cutting areas;

• Trees may be cut through Thursday, Dec. 24;

• Trees must be under 10 feet tall, and

• No refunds on Christmas tree permits.

Tree cutters are reminded to be prepared for sudden weather changes and colder conditions when in higher elevations. A fun family outing can become miserable and even dangerous with a quick change of weather for the unprepared.

The permits expire on Friday, Dec. 25; however, forest officials recommend cutting your tree early in the season before the higher elevations are snow bound. Trees can stay fresh for quite some time if cared for correctly.

Caring For Your Tree

To help keep your tree fresh, cut two inches from the bottom of your tree when you get home and place it in water. Keep your tree watered and in a shady spot until you are ready to move it into the house.

Another helpful hint is to bring an old tarp to wrap your tree in. Then, when you drag your tree out of the forest, the tarp protects the tree and helps you avoid breaking branches. The tarp can also help avoid wind damage on the way home.

For more information on Christmas tree permits on the Tonto National Forest, please call any of the offices listed below.

Office locations and hours

Supervisor's Office: Monday –Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm,

2324 E. McDowell Rd. closed for lunch 1:00 – 1:30

Phoenix, AZ

(602) 225-5200

Mesa Ranger District: Monday –Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm,

5140 E. Ingram St. closed for lunch 12:00 – 12:30

Mesa, AZ

(480) 610-3300

Payson Ranger District: Monday –Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm,

1009 E. Highway 260 closed for lunch 12:30 – 1:30