Christmas tree cutting permits available Nov. 16

WILLIAMS, Ariz.- The Kaibab National Forest will sell over-the-counter and through-the-mail Christmas tree tags on a first-come, first-served basis for each of its three ranger districts beginning Nov. 16 and continuing until they are sold out. While tags will start being issued

Nov. 16, cutting of Christmas trees won't begin until Nov. 20.

The $15 permit allows the holder to cut a tree of a particular species that is not more than 10 feet in height within a designated area of the Kaibab National Forest from Nov. 20 through Dec. 24.

There are 800 permits available for the North Kaibab Ranger District. Any species may be cut. Permits are available at the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 28 and Dec. 5. Information about through-the-mail permits can be found by calling (928) 643-7395.

The 750 permits are available for the Tusayan Ranger District. The permits are for pinon or juniper only. They are available at the Tusayan Ranger Station 8 a.m. to 4 pm. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 5. Information about through-the-mail permits can be found at (928) 638-2443.

The Williams Ranger District has 250 permits available for pinon or juniper trees. They also have 100 permits available for the Tusayan Ranger District. They are available at the Williams Ranger Station 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Through-the-mail permits can be obtained by calling (928) 635-5600.

Individuals wanting to purchase a Christmas tree tag through the mail should expect a turnaround time of about 10 business days.