HELENA – If you’re ready to go hunting this weekend, for the perfect Christmas tree that is, you’ll need to get a tree permit for the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.
The $5 permits are now available at the Forest Service office on Skyway Drive.
The office will be closed Thanksgiving, but open again on Friday, November 23.
Permits can also be purchased at several businesses in town that serve as vendors for the Forest Service such as Capital Sports, Rockhand Hardware, and South’s Country Store.
Families with a fourth grader can get their permit for free through the ‘Every Kid in a Park’ program.
Officials remind you to securely attach your permit to your tree and select a tree under 12-feet tall. Do not cut off the tops of trees.
And make sure to leave a stump that is no more than 6-inches above the ground with no live branches.
The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest sells an estimated 5,000 Christmas tree permits every year.
-Reported by Melissa Jensen/MTN News
