Christmas trees quarry for this hunting season

Hunting season begins in Western Nevada on Nov. 17 - Christmas tree hunting season, that is.

And like any other hunters, those looking for Christmas trees will have to get one of 2,500 tags available through Dec. 22.

The Humboldt-Toiayabe National Forest, Carson Ranger District, and the Bureau of Land Management, Carson City Field Office, will sell Christmas tree tags beginning Nov. 17 and ending Dec. 22 at a variety of locations across western Nevada and eastern California. The agencies conduct Christmas tree sales to thin small trees in overstocked areas and to provide recreational experiences for local residents.

The tags will be available for $10 each on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest for white fir, Jeffrey pine and incense cedar trees. There will be two designated cutting areas: the Dog Valley-Long Valley area between Bordertown and Verdi, west of Reno, and the California Highway 4 corridor south of Markleeville. Limit of two permits per household.

Pinon pine trees will be available for $5 each on designated BLM lands in the following locations: Pine Nut Mountains between Carson City and Yerington; Clan Alpine and Desatoya Mountains east of Fallon and the Excelsior Mountains south of Hawthorne. Limit of two permits per household.

Permits from both agencies are valid through Dec. 25. Permits are nonrefundable.

Tree cutters should bring along their own saws, warm clothing, a first-aid kit, extra food and water, heavy rope or chain, shovel and tire chains in the event of bad road conditions or inclement weather. Since permits are nonrefundable, it is advisable to cut trees early in the season because some areas may not be accessible after snowfall. For information contact either the Carson Ranger District, 882-2766, or the BLM Carson City Field Office, 885-6000.

Permits for Forest Service (white fir, Jeffrey pine and incense cedar) trees must be purchased in person at the following locations:

- USFS/BLM Interagency Information Center, 1340 Financial Blvd. (off East McCarran), Reno; 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; phone 861-6500.

- Carson Ranger District Office, 1536 S. Carson St., Carson City; 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; phone 882-2766.

- Markleeville Chamber of Commerce, No. 3 Webster St., Markleeville; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; phone (530)694-2475.

Permits for BLM (pinon pine) trees must be purchased in person at the following locations:

- USFS/BLM Interagency Information Center, 1340 Financial Blvd. (off East McCarran), Reno; 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; phone 861-6500

- BLM Carson City Field Office, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City; 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday ; phone 885-6000. Permits will be available through Dec. 16.

- USDA Farm Service Agency, Mountain View Professional Center, 1702 County Road, Suite 1, Minden; phone 782-3661 or 883-2623.

- FSA Fallon, USDA Service Center, 111 Sheckler Road, Fallon; phone 423-5127.

- Cold Springs Station, 52300 Austin Hwy., Fallon; 8 a.m.-9 p.m. seven days a week; phone (775) 423-1233.

- Community Action Center, 701 E. St., Hawthorne; phone (775) 945-2471.

- Douglas County Sheriff Substations, North Valley (267-3691), Topaz Ranch Estates (266-1028) or Tillman (265-7090).

- Old Middlegate Station, 42500 Austin Hwy., Highway 50 and 361 (East of Fallon), Middlegate; phone (775) 423-7134.