There was a run on Christmas trees in the Lake Tahoe Basin over Thanksgiving weekend. The bad news is that all 2,500 permits were snagged and there won't be anymore issued between now and Christmas.
The good news is nearby Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, which has 5,000 permits this season, continues to sell them at a rapid clip, Forest Service officials said.
Other options for cutting a tree on National Forest System land include the Plumas, Shasta-Trinity, Lassen and Inyo National Forests. In addition, private Christmas tree farms are located in Placer, Nevada and El Dorado counties.
Humboldt-Toiyabe permits cost $10 each in designated cutting areas for white fir, incense cedar, Jeffrey, and lodgepole pine trees
Two trees may be cut per household, permits are non-refundable and non-transferrable, and are valid through December 25, 2013. Maps of cutting areas will be provided with Christmas tree tags. Please purchase your permit(s) early as permits do sell out quickly.
Tree cutters should have their own saws, warm clothing, a first-aid kit, extra food and water, shovel, and a heavy rope or chain, in the event of bad road conditions or inclement weather. Some cutting areas may be inaccessible after snowfall, so it is advisable to cut trees early in the season. Carry tire chains in all vehicles, including 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles.
Permits must be purchased in person with cash or checks (credit and ATM cards are not accepted). Phone, mail, or e-mail permit requests cannot be processed. Federal offices are closed on Thursday, November 28, 2013.
For Carson City area buyers, tree permits are available at the following offices:
Carson Ranger District Office, 1536 S. Carson Street, Carson City, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. (775) 882-2766.
Permits are also available at:
— Galena Creek Visitor Center, 16750 Mt. Rose Highway, Reno, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (775) 849-4948
— Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters-Sparks, 1200 Franklin Way, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., (775) 331-6444
— Hope Valley Café and Market, 14655 Highway 88, Woodfords Canyon, Calif., 7 days a week, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (530) 694-2323
Markleeville General Store, 14799 Highway 89, Markleeville, Calif., Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 am – 7:00 pm, (530) 694-2448.