Christmas tree permits now available
It’s the most wonderful time of year to visit the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests to find the perfect Christmas tree for your home. Christmas tree permits are $5 each and allow the holder to cut one tree. Each household can purchase a maximum of five permits.
Permits can be purchased on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at any of the Deschutes or Ochoco Supervisor or District offices. On weekends, the permits also are available at several commercial outlets across Central Oregon. Permits can be obtained at the locations listed below.
Additional information is available online atwww.fs.usda.gov/deschutes
Weather conditions at higher elevations can be dramatically different from local conditions and the public should be prepared for cold and unpredictable weather. Additionally, most forest roads are not maintained for winter driving, so snow patches or debris may be encountered.
Bring a hand saw or axe as well as winter clothing and safety equipment. Tire chains and a shovel are recommended, as is extra food, drinking water, blankets, a flashlight, first-aid kit and survival gear. Tree cutting and travel can take longer than anticipated, and individuals are encouraged to notify a friend or family member of the anticipated destination and to leave the woods well before dark.
To keep a tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard, leave it outside until you’re ready to move it indoors. Cut the trunk at an angle before placing it in the stand and remember to refill the stand’s reservoir daily.
Bend
Deschutes NF Supervisors Offic e, 63095 Deschutes Market Road, 383-5300
Bend/Fort Rock Ranger Station , 63095 Deschutes Market Road, 383-4000 Bend Convention and Visitor Bureau , 750 N.W. Lava Rd.., Suite 160 541-382-8048 Bi-Mart , 351 N.E. 2nd Street, 389-5505 Butler Market South , 61396 S. Hwy 97, 383-0146 C.E. Lovejoy’s Brookswood Market , 19530 Amber Meadow Drive, 388-1188 Powder House , 311 S.W. Century Drive, 389-6234
Crescent
Crescent Ranger Station , 136471 Hwy 97 North, 541-433-3200
La Pine
Bi-Mart 51670 Huntington Rd., 541-536-9600 Quick Stop Market , 51497 Hwy 97, 541-536-2553 Corner Store , 15989 Burgess Rd., 541-536-0700
Prineville
Ochoco NF Supervisors Office , 3160 N.E. 3rd Street,
541-416-6500 Bi-Mart 2091 N.E. 3rd St., 541-447-4951 R & R Grocery , 940 S.E. Combs Flat Rd., 541-447-7231
Camp Sherman
Camp Sherman Store , Ctr. & Main St., S.W. Roberts Bridge Rd., 541-595-6711
Paulina
Kurt’s Country Store & Tavern 70344 S.E. Paulina City Rd., 541-477-3311
Madras
Bi-Mart , 1575 Hwy 97 541-475-1394
Redmond
Redmond Air Center , 1740 S.E. Ochoco Way, 541-504-7200 Big R , 3141 S. Hwy 97, 541-548-4095 Bi-Mart , 1727 S.W. Odem Medo Way 541-923-7220
Sisters
Sisters Ranger Station , Pine St. & Hwy 20, 541-549-7700 Lutton’s Ace Hardware , 373 E. Hood Ave., 541-549-8011 Sisters Mainline Station , 1001 Railway, 541-549-5400 Sisters Rental , 506 N. Pine St., 541-549-9631 Bi-Mar t 445 W. Hwy 20, 541-719-2000
Sunriver
Hammer Time , 56820 Venture Ln., 541-593-8168 Village Properties , 56835 Venture Ln., 800-786-7483
