Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is once again offering free cedar Christmas trees for you and your family to enjoy during the holiday.
According to LBL officials, you must get a permit, which entitles a family to cut one cedar tree between November 27 through December 24. They say cedar trees may be cut anywhere in Land Between the Lakes except:
– Within sight of U.S. 68/80
– Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway
– Cemeteries
– Nature Watch Areas
– Campgrounds
– Facilities, including the Elk & Bison Prairie
– Other mowed areas
Yvonne Antes with LBL says taking the family out into the woods to look for the perfect Christmas tree is a great holiday season tradition. She adds you can check along roadsides or within old forest openings to find your tree. She says the cedar tree program also helps LBL maintain open lands and promote diverse wildlife habitat.
Officials say trees must be cedar, less than 10 feet tall, and stumps must be less than four inches tall. Chain saws may be used, but the use of trucks, winches, tractors, or other heavy equipment is prohibited. Cutting rules and regulations can be found on the reservations page.
For the permit, as well as safety guidelines for choosing and using a cut tree in your home can be found by clicking here.
