Alaskan families will have the opportunity to harvest a live tree from unrestricted state lands for Christmas this year, the state Department of Natural Resources announced in a press release Tuesday.
Each year, the Division of Forestry and Fire Protection supports the tradition held by many Alaska families by allowing residents to harvest one tree for personal use on unrestricted lands owned by the State of Alaska.
“Finding a Christmas tree on state land is a great way for families to enjoy time outdoors,” Stephen Nickel, Mat-Su and Southwest Alaska area forester, said in the release. “A little preparation helps make the trip safe and enjoyable.
Residents are allowed to take one tree under 15 feet tall per household, and should cut stumps low, harvest whole trees rather than topping them, protect seedlings and respect nearby private homes and property.
Individuals intending to harvest a tree must confirm land ownership before cutting. Cutting is not allowed in Alaska State Parks, in Department of Transportation rights-of-way, or on Alaska Native lands, private property or other restricted areas.
Forest roads are not maintained, according to the release. Winter travel may include deep snow and industrial traffic. Residents should bring tire chains, a shovel, a tow strap and warm clothing, and are asked to avoid blocking road access.
Maps and area guides for the Kenai Peninsula, Mat-Su, and Fairbanks-Delta region are available on the DNR Christmas tree cutting webpage.
On the Kenai Peninsula, residents should contact the Chugach National Forest, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge or Kenai Peninsula Borough for cutting on adjacent public lands.
The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge announced in a press release Tuesday that the refuge will be open for Christmas tree cutting starting Thursday, Nov. 27, through Dec. 25. Trees cut in the refuge are free for personal use with a limit of one per household and may not be taller than 20 feet.
Trees may be taken using hand tools anywhere on the refuge, except within 150 feet of a road, lake, stream, trail, campground or picnic area. No tree cutting is permitted in the Refuge Headquarter/Visitor Center area and along Ski Hill Road. As on unrestricted state lands, members of the public cutting trees on the refuge are asked to trim the stumps as close to the ground as possible.
For additional information, contact the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge by calling 907-743-9145 during regular business hours.
In the Mat-Su region, cutting is allowed on unrestricted state land in the Matanuska Valley Moose Range and surrounding valleys. In the Fairbanks-Delta region, no cutting is allowed in the Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest, on Zasada Road or Rosie Creek Road, or on tree plantations.
Once a tree is harvested, let the tree warm up in a garage or entryway before making a fresh cut at the base and placing it in water. Keep the water stand full and avoid heat sources.
Find more tree care tips on the DNR Christmas tree cutting webpage.
