The Ocala National Forest is offering permits to cut down Christmas trees within special designated areas inside the forest.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture allows for the forest’s visitors to cut down sand pine trees in two designated areas.
Once a permit is acquired, a map will be provided that shows the available sites to cut down a Christmas tree. Permits are available online for a $10 cost per tree, and the permits remain effective through Saturday, December 25.
In addition to providing inexpensive Christmas trees, the permit program helps to open the area for wildlife and provide more room for the remaining trees to grow.
When selecting a tree to cut, the maximum height allowed is 40 feet. The entire tree needs to be cut down, and the remaining stump can have a maximum height of six inches.
The forest rangers want to remind everyone to stick to the map when locating a tree to cut. Do not cut on private land, in wilderness areas, designated campgrounds, or existing tree plantations, and avoid areas that have been planted with new trees.
For more information, or to purchase a permit, visit the Ocala National Forest Recreation website.