**** Dog Friendly Event ****

Let's cut down our own Christmas tree with this special group meetup. We will all pile into SUVs, 4x4's, and load truck beds and top of Suburban's up with Christmas trees to take home and decorate for the holiday. Finish with tailgating bbq and hot cocoa. What do you think?

I will be happy to pick up permits for those who can't make it into the Forest Service Office this week. The cost of the permit is $10. I can get up to five permits.

Our friend Tim Smith and his family suggested the Platina Area for trees. This is where we will plan to go unless someone else has a better idea. I have never been to the Platina area to cut trees but HEY, you all know me... it's all about the adventure.

I have room for 5 in my 4x4 with plenty of room for trees on top. Email or leave a comment if you want to caravan with me.

I'll be bringing hot cocoa, a small bbq and hot dogs for the tailgate party afterwords. Feel free to bring anything you would like to contribute to the fun.

This will be a full day event of playing in the snow (if there is any) and getting the perfect holiday tree.

Let's all meet at the K-mart parking lot across from the Grand Buffet and go from there at 9:15am.

Right off the Shasta-Trinity National Forest site:

Things you should know before you go

* Christmas Tree Permits sell for $10 each. Only one permit per household.
* Permits can be purchased at any Shasta-Trinity National Forest Office.
* Christmas Tree Permits can be used on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest only if accompanied by a tree-cutting guide, and printed information. These are considered legal documents, which go with your permit.

How do I get a tree and what are the rules?

The Christmas Tree Cutting Program on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest remains simple and easy to follow. Please follow these few simple rules:

* Obtain a permit and map from a local Forest Service office. This permit is good for cutting trees within SHASTA-TRINITY NATIONAL FOREST boundaries only. See addresses and phone numbers above for forest contact information.
* The permit must be signed by the person whose name is on the permit before the tree can be cut.
* There is a limit of one permit per household; however, one person may purchase a maximum of five permits. A separate name and address must be provided for each permit.
* Cutting or removing any tree with a main stem exceeding 6 inches in diameter at ground level is prohibited.
* Cutting any tree in or within 100 feet of any administrative or developed site is prohibited, i.e.: campground, picnicking or day use areas, etc.
* Collecting, taking, possessing or transporting any part of a tree without a valid permit is a federal offense, and violators will be prosecuted.
* Cutting any tree is prohibited within 100 feet of the outer edge of designated roads.
* If you will be transporting more than five trees on one vehicle, you will need a transportation permit from the County Sheriff’s office for the area where you wish to cut your tree.
* When cutting in the Weaverville area, please do not cut the Giant Sequoia trees located at Slate Creek, Tannery Gulch Campground, Mule Creek Station and on Guy Covington Road. These trees were planted for roadside beautification in the early 1960's.

How to use your permit

* Chose a tree of your liking, cut tree, following rules and regulations printed on your permit.
* Wrap the permit around the tree trunk and secure ends together by peeling off the adhesive on back, and pressing each end tightly.
* Keep the permit on the tree while in transit.
* You will need to cut your permit off the tree, once you are no longer in transit.

Be prepared for Winter Weather!

* Dress appropriately in warm socks, boots, coats, hats and gloves.
* Bring plenty of snacks and water.
* Have supplies available to build a fire if necessary and make sure you have a campfire permit.
* Make sure your vehicle is equipped for winter travel.
* Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be home.

Helpful Hints. . .

* Carry your trees carefully out of the woods. Dragging the tree will rub off needles and bark.
* If the tree is too big to transport inside of your vehicle, wrap it in canvas to prevent wind damage.
* Store your tree in an area protected from the wind, such as the north or east side of your house or under a shaded tree.

Tips for helping your tree stay moist longer

When you get home, re-cut the end of the tree by 1 inch and let it stand in a bucket of 'Fire Minimizing Life Extending Formula' (recipe below) until you're ready to bring it indoors. Fill the tree stand reservoir twice a day (morning and evening) with the remaining mixture.
'Fire Minimizing Life Extending Formula'

* 2 gals. of hot water
* 2 cups corn syrup
* 2 oz. liquid bleach
* 2 pinches epsom salts
* 1/2 tsp. borax
* 1 tsp. chelated iron (available at garden shops)

cartoon. Shows a flickering fireplace fire next to a Christmas Tree.How does this 'fire minimizing' mixture work

The corn syrup provides sugar, which allows the tree to soak up a lot more water than it normally would. Without sugar, only a small amount of water is absorbed by the branches and needles. You can expect the tree to soak up 1-1/2 gallons of the recipe during the 10 to 14 day period your tree is up, which is about 800 percent more water than it would have absorbed growing in the forest.

The boron (in the borax) makes the water and sugar move to every needle of your tree. The epsom salts and chelated iron provide magnesium sulfate which helps chlorophyll production, keeping your needles green. Bleach stops mold from forming when water and sugar stand too long in the tree holder.
What about after Christmas?

There are many local non-profit groups, boy scouts, etc. that collect Christmas trees for a nominal fee or donation. Call your local Chamber of Commerce, City of Redding Waste Management, or watch your area newspaper for more details.

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