34.5 F
Clarksville
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsLand Between the Lakes Offers Free Cedar Christmas Trees

Land Between the Lakes Offers Free Cedar Christmas Trees

Land Between the LakesGolden Pond, KY – Beginning December 1st, Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area is again giving people the opportunity to come outdoors in search of your very own cedar Christmas tree by offering Christmas tree permits.

The permit, valid December 1st-24th, entitles a family to cut one cedar tree at no charge. Permits, maps, and cutting guidelines may be obtained from the LBL Administrative Office, 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday, and at the Golden Pond Visitor Center, 9:00am-5:00pm Saturday and Sunday. On Christmas Eve, December 24th, the Visitor Center will close at 3:00pm.

“Taking the family out into the woods to look for the perfect Christmas tree is a great holiday tradition.  Check along roadsides or within old forest openings to find your tree,” said LBL Forester, Dennis Wilson. “The cedar tree program also helps LBL by maintaining open lands and promoting diverse wildlife habitat.”

Cedar trees may be cut anywhere in LBL except areas within sight of US68/KY80 or The Trace, cemeteries, the Nature Watch Demonstration Areas, campgrounds, lawns, or other mowed areas.

Whether families cut or purchase a tree, they should follow these safety guidelines when using a cut tree in their home at Christmas.

  1. Choose a fresh tree.  If the needles are brown and fall off easily, the tree is dry and can easily catch on fire.
  2. When setting up your tree, cut the base off two inches above the original cut to help the tree absorb more water.
  3. Place the tree in a stable, tip-proof container and water it daily.
  4. Place the tree away from heat sources such as heating vents or wood stoves.
  5. Be sure decorative lights are UL approved and in good condition.  Never leave tree lights on while you are asleep or away from home. LED lights are a great way to save energy.
  6. Discard the tree when it begins to show signs of drying, such as brown or yellow color, and excessive needle dropping.

About Land Between the Lakes

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education.  We encourage visitors to review LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, and temporary trail and road closures.

Follow us on Twitter @LBLScreechOwl and on our blog at http://landbetweenthelakes.blogspot.com/. Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is available on our website or by calling 1.800.LBL.7077 or 270.924.2000.

RELATED ARTICLES

Latest Articles