Golden Pond, KY – Free Christmas tree permits for Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area will be available online at www.landbetweenthelakes.us, under Reservations and Permits began November 28th. Permits, maps, and cutting guidelines may be obtained online anytime.
The public may also obtain a permit from the Land Between The Lakes Administrative Office, 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Friday from now until noon on December 24th. Permits are not available at Golden Pond Visitor Center.
Trees must be cedar, less than 10 feet tall, and stumps must be less than 4 inches tall. Chain saws may be used. Use of trucks, winches, tractors, or other heavy equipment is prohibited. Cutting rules and regulations can be found online under Quick Links, Print on Demand, Info Sheets.
“Taking the family out into the woods to look for the perfect Christmas tree is a great holiday tradition. Check along roadsides or within old forest openings to find your tree,” suggested Forester, Dennis Wilson. “The cedar tree program also helps Land Between The Lakes maintain open lands and promote diverse wildlife habitat.”
Whether families cut or purchase a tree, they should follow these safety guidelines for choosing and using a cut tree in their home this Christmas.
- Choose a fresh tree. If needles fall off easily, the tree is dry and can easily catch on fire.
- When setting up your tree, cut the base off two inches above the original cut to help the tree absorb more water.
- Place the tree in a stable, tip-proof container and water it daily.
- Place the tree away from heat sources such as heating vents, wood stoves, or open flames.
- Be sure decorative lights are UL approved and in good condition. Never leave tree lights on while you are asleep or away from home. LED lights are a great way to save energy.
- Discard the tree when it begins to show signs of drying, such as brown or yellow coloration, or excessive needle dropping.
Cedar Christmas tree permits and regulations can be found at http://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/reservations/.
Call 270.924.2065 or 800.525.7077 for more information.
About Land Between the Lakes
Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area manages more than 170,000 acres in western Kentucky and Tennessee as part of the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Agriculture’s public lands program. Land Between The Lakes offers outdoor recreation, lake access, land management, and environmental education to over 1.4 million visitors annually. The Friends of Land Between The Lakes works in partnership with the Forest Service providing program services, funds development, and volunteer support.
To find more information about Land Between The Lakes, log on to the official website at www.landbetweenthelakes.us or call toll-free at 1.800.LBL.7077 or local at 270.924.2000. For more information on the Friends of Land Between The Lakes, log on to www.friendsoflbl.org.
To subscribe to the official electronic newsletter, send an email to LBLinfo@fs.fed.us. Land Between The Lakes official Twitter accounts include @LBLScreechOwl, @LBLNature, @LBLHomeplace, and @LandBtwnLakes.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
