BEND, OR -- The Deschutes National Forest will start selling Christmas tree permits Thursday, about a week earlier than in past years. "According to our folks that deal with the Christmas tree permits, people are buying them earlier and earlier every year," says Jean Nelson Dean, with the Forest Service. "You don’t have to go out and get your tree, but we’re selling them November ninth at all of our offices and then our vendors. Some of our offices are also going to be open on Saturday, so people should check. And then, of course, we have the Cascade Lakes Welcome Station that is open on the weekends and they will be selling the tree permits."

The $5 permit is require for each tree cut down on National Forest land, "Don’t go out and think ‘Ok, I have a permit to cut as many trees [as I want].' When you get your permit, there will be information attached to it to talk about the height of the tree you need to get. We prefer people to get trees that are in crowded conditions; it helps create a healthier forest." There's a five tree maximum. Click HERE for more information on size and location restrictions, as well as vendors where the permits are available. 

For our full conversation with Jean Nelson Dean, visit our Podcast Page or click HERE.