Permits are available to cut your own Christmas tree in Ashley National Forest and one lucky group can get theirs for free. Thanks to a special program, all fourth-grade students are eligible to receive vouchers for a free tree and a park pass. This opportunity is brought to you by ‘Every Kid in a Park’ Campaign sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service. Although tree information may not arrive in all schools before the first week in December, vouchers can be printed by visiting
everykidinapark.gov
. Go to the “get your pass” section and finish the exercise located there. Passes and vouchers through the campaign must be redeemed at the ranger district offices. If you don’t have a fourth grader in your household you can purchase a permit for $15. In planning your outing, the Forest Service advises that people be prepared for winter weather and driving conditions. Be sure to cut the tree close to the ground and that the stump left behind is no higher then six inches.
