Spruce trees are dusted with snow on Dec. 22, 2020, in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near Soldotna, Alaska. Some areas of the refuge are open to harvest of holiday trees for non-commercial uses beginning Thanksgiving. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)

Spruce trees are dusted with snow on Dec. 22, 2020, in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near Soldotna, Alaska. Some areas of the refuge are open to harvest of holiday trees for non-commercial uses beginning Thanksgiving. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)

Christmas trees can be taken from wildlife refuge starting Thursday

Only hand tools can be used to cut trees, which cannot be taller than 20 feet

Christmas trees can be harvested from the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge for personal use starting Thanksgiving Day, according to a press release from the refuge.

Trees are free, and can be taken from anywhere on the refuge at least 150 feet from roads, lakes, streams, trails, campgrounds or picnic areas. Tree cutting is not allowed in the Refuge Headquarters/Visitor Center area and along Ski Hill Road.

Only hand tools can be used to cut trees, which cannot be taller than 20 feet. Each household may take one tree. The refuge asks that stumps be trimmed as close to the ground as possible “for aesthetic reasons.”

Trees can be cut from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day.

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For more information call the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge office during business hours at 907-262-7021.

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