Tree cutting permits coming

More than 3,000 Christmas trees will be available for cutting starting Nov. 23.

The Carson Ranger District, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management Carson City Field Office will sell 3,500 Christmas tree tags through Dec. 24 at a variety of locations across western Nevada and eastern California. The agencies conduct Christmas tree sales to thin small trees in overstocked areas.

Tags will be available for $10 each on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest for white fir, Jeffrey pine and incense cedar trees. There will be two designated cutting areas: The Dog Valley-Long Valley area between Bordertown and Verdi, west of Reno, and the California Highway 4 corridor south of Markleeville. Limit of two permits per household. Permits are non-refundable.

Permits for Forest Service (white fir, Jeffrey pine and incense cedar) trees must be purchased in person at the following locations:

- Carson Ranger District Office, 1536 S. Carson St., Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Telephone 882-2766.

- Alpine County Chamber of Commerce, No. 3 Webster St., Markleeville. Daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Telephone (530) 694-2475.

- Interagency Information Center, 1340 Financial Boulevard, Reno 89520; Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Wednesdays until 6 p.m.) and Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Telephone (775) 861-6500.

- Humboldt- Toiyabe National Forest, Supervisors Office, 1200 Franklin Way, Sparks, Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Telephone (775) 331-6444.

Pinon pine trees will be available for $5 each on BLM lands in the following locations: Pine Nut Mountains between Carson City and Yerington; Clan Alpine and Desatoya Mountains east of Fallon and the Excelsior Mountains south of Hawthorne. Limit of two permits per household. Permits from both agencies are valid through Dec. 25. Permits are nonrefundable.

Permits for pinon trees must be purchased in person at the following locations:

- BLM Carson City Field Office, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Telephone 885-6000.

- USDA Farm Service Agency, Mountain View Professional Center, 1702 County Road, Suite 1, Minden. Call 782-3661 or 883-2623.

- Douglas County Sheriff Substations, North Valley, telephone 267-3691; Topaz Ranch Estates, 266-1028 and Tillman, 265-7090.

Treecutters should bring their own saws, warm clothing, a first-aid kit, extra food and water, heavy rope or chain, shovel and tire chains in the event of bad road conditions or inclement weather.

Since permits are nonrefundable, it is advisable to cut trees early in the season because some areas may not be accessible after snowfall. For information, call either the Carson Ranger District 882-2766 or the BLM Carson City Field Office 885-6000.