By: Ag. Reporter Mollie Goode
Land Between the Lakes is offering families the opportunity to cut down cedar Christman trees to add to holiday celebrations.
The permit allows individuals to cut one cedar tree from November 29 through December 24 and requires the tree be less than 10 feet tall, and stumps must be less than 4 inches from the ground. The park allows the use of chainsaws, but trucks, winches, tractors, or other heavy equipment is prohibited.
In a news release from Forest Services, the trees can be cut from anywhere in Land Between the Lakes except from locations like campgrounds, mowed areas, and nature watch areas. The park is also encouraging families to use safety precautions like, choose fresh trees, water daily, discard the tree when it begins to show signs of drying, and only use decorative lights while at home to ensure their tree lasts until Christmas.
Yvonne Antes, a silviculturist at Land Between the Lakes says, “The cedar tree program helps Land Between the Lakes maintain open lands and promote diverse wildlife habitat.”
If you are interested in more information the Land Between the Lake National Recreation Area website will have permits, maps and cutting guidelines available on November 29.