White Mountain National Forest to allow families to cut down Christmas trees

BETHEL — The White Mountain National Forest headquarters announced that families may cut a Christmas tree for personal use on National Forest land.

In a Nov. 25 news release, the White Mountain National Forest headquarters issued the following rules:

* The trees will be used for personal use only, not for resale.

* Each family may cut only one tree.

* The tree must be on National Forest land.

* Trees may not be cut down in or near campgrounds, picnic areas, experimental forests, timber sale areas or within 100 feet of a state highway.

* The tree must not be larger than eight inches in diameter at chest height.

* The tree must be cut so the remaining stumps are less than 10 inches high.

Jim Hill, a member of the White Mountain National Forest headquarters, said if any resident in Maine wishes to apply for a permit to cut down a Christmas tree in the White Mountain National Forest land west of Bethel, they will have to apply at the Gorham, N.H., office.

A Christmas tree permit may be purchased from the White Mountain National Forest offices Campton, Lincoln, Gorham and Conway, N.H.

For more information, call the White Mountain National Forest headquarters at 603-536-6100.

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