O Tannenbaum
Nov. 20—Weeks earlier than most Thanksgiving feasts have been shopped for or prepared, thoughts for some local residents turn to procuring the perfect tannenbaum ... at a bargain.
Dedicated holiday tree "hunters," as of Nov. 10, could venture into the woods for their $5 Christmas trees. Tree lot prices be darned, a permit from the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management makes a lot of sense.
Some families are champing at the bit for permits to be announced just days after Halloween has passed. Not only is the winter tradition a fun way to make memories in the woods with family — complete with hot cocoa and fun photo opps — it's a great way to improve forest health by reducing fire fuels AND bypassing paying $60 to $100 for a Christmas tree.
Eagle Point residents Carly and Nick Capitanich said cutting a tree is an annual tradition for their family of seven.
"I love that it's way less expensive to get a fresh tree, and I love being able to go out in the woods and pick a tree with my family — just being able to enjoy nature while getting a tree," said the mom.
"We've done it for seven years now. We started in 2015. We haven't priced lots this year, but last year was like $70 or more for a tree. A small one at that! Which I think is absolutely ridiculous."
In Southern Oregon, two forest management agencies — the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management — team up to offer the tree permits. Brian White, operations staff officer for the forest service said the two agencies team up to minimize confusion on where local residents can venture into the woods to find a tree.
"We actually gang up on it to sell the same tag for both lands. That way the public doesn't have to worry if they're on the 'green land' or the 'yellow land.' They just have to make sure they're not on private property," White said, noting tree permits have been in existence since shortly after World War II.
White said more than 8,000 permits were sold last year.
The agency offers three ways to buy the permits: at forest service interagency and district offices, at more than 20 participating local businesses (see online for details) or by purchasing online and printing at home (recreation.gov).
"If you need to pick up some hot chocolate and snacks or other supplies at the store, you can just grab the permit while you're at it," White said.
"The basic rule is that trees should be less than 20 feet and to cut the stump flush. Don't take half a tree."
As for types of trees, permit holders can pick from Noble fir (branches stay on longer but are more defined in appearance), Douglas fir (branches fall off sooner but give that softer appearance) or hemlock, which White advised against. They deteriorate quickly after being cut, even with extra watering and other measures.
"The needles will be gone in a week," White added.
Basic safety rules are the norm for venturing into the woods.
"A year doesn't go by we don't have somebody trapped in the national forest in a snowstorm in their two-wheel drive! Make sure you ask your forest service professionals for pointers on where to go. Maybe ask, 'Hey, can I get into this area, or that area, with my Subaru?'" he said.
"Plan for an emergency. Weather can change quickly. Make sure you pay attention to your map, plan for the worst-case-scenario, have emergency supplies and make sure somebody knows where you're going to be."
White said online maps (see below) have more detail, but take a paper map in case you lose cell reception.
"If you plan it right, it's a great way to get a great value and an even better family experience," White said.
"You can't find a tree for five bucks, I don't care what you do. Say it costs $25 to take your pickup truck for gas, and you buy lunch. You're up to $29. It's a better deal, all day long."
Tree permits are available on a handful of sites, via the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and BLM.
To purchase tree permits online (limit five trees per household), see recreation.gov or fs.usda.gov/detail/rogue-siskiyou/passes-permits/forestproducts/?cid=stelprdb5327574
For a list of local vendors and additional info, see recreation.gov/tree-permits/736d3acd-ec56-11ea-8045-369699f3be2d
Additionally, fourth graders in Oregon are eligible to receive a free Christmas tree permit under the "Every Kids Outdoors" pass. For more info, see everykidoutdoors.gov/pass.htm
Reach reporter Buffy Pollock at 541-776-8784 or bpollock@rosebudmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @orwritergal