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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 22, 2017)
20 Wednesday, November 22, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Save Yourself Grief & Thousands of Dollars ... We’re here for you! Free consultation to prepare for winter. You can rely on our 30-plus years experience. Snow Removal • Plowing-Shoveling • Roof Raking Handyman • Maintenance • Insurance Design • Build • Remodeling • New Homes CCB#194489 D ESIGNERS & B UILDERS of D ISTINCTION 541-549-1575 • LaredoConstruction.com Holiday Wines to fit every palate and every budget. Order your party platters now for holiday entertaining! 541-549-2222 635 N. Arrowleaf Trail, Sisters • www.gorays.com Our Promise to Our Community... …We’re here for you every day and after hours with medical care you can count on! Our gift to you… Bring in this ad through November 28 for a FREE fl u shot! (While supplies last!) Walk-In & Urgent Care Serving our Sisters Community... 541-548-2899 | 3818 SW 21st Pl. Hwy. 126 to Redmond, two turns, and you’re there! (Near fairgrounds) YourCareMedical.com m Open ving Thanksgi pm 9 am-2 This Christmas… Make the best memories with a gift certificate for a lesson or guided trip with the experts at the Fly Fisher’s Place. 151 W. Main Ave., Sisters | 541-549-FISH Tree hunts are a local tradition By Craig F. Eisenbeis For generations, the Christmas tree has been a familiar symbol of the holiday season; and that is certainly true in Sisters Country. For those looking to add something memorable and meaningful to the season, a Christmas tree hunt can be a rewarding family outing. Although the celebration of the Christian tradition of Christmas can be traced to the fourth century, Christmas trees, as we know them today, did not appear until about the six- teenth century. The tradition of Christmas trees is generally considered to have begun in north- ern Europe, with Germany most often cited as the point of origin. With Marvel’s current iteration of “Thor” playing in theaters, it is interesting to note Thor’s peculiar role in Christmas tree lore. Legend has it that the Norse thunder god required a human sacrifice at the base of a huge oak tree during the winter solstice; but the ceremony was interrupted by the Christian missionary Saint Boniface, who struck down the oak and offered a humble alternative symbol: a nearby young evergreen, its top pointing to heaven. Most of us in Western culture have grown up in the shadow of the Christmas tree; and, regardless of its origins, most people regard the familiar symbol as a suitable, secular, and fes- tive way to celebrate the holiday season. In 2011, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution proclaiming the first week of December to be National Christmas Tree Week. The resolution, sponsored by Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, rec- ognizes the role of Christmas trees in American family life. Oregon is the largest producer of commercial Christmas trees, nearly doubling the output of its nearest competitor, North Carolina. Commercial Christmas tree produc- tion in Oregon contributes approximately $100 million to Oregon’s economy each year. In contrast to today’s fast-paced commercial and plastic Christmas, Christmas tree enthusi- asts in the Sisters area have a relatively easy way to relive the traditional family Christmas tree hunts of centuries ago; and many find that doing so can add something memorable and meaningful to the season. With thousands of acres of National Forest surrounding Sisters, this type of Christmas tree hunt in the forest is a long-standing family holi- day tradition for many local residents. If cutting a wild Christmas tree in the forest sounds like a tradition you would like to adopt, the first step is to obtain a Christmas tree permit from the National Forest Service or one of the other out- lets where the tree permits are sold. Christmas tree permits cost $5.00 each, and up to five per- mits are permitted per household. The Northwest’s Douglas fir tree is com- monly considered the nation’s Christmas tree; and, in fact, Northwest Douglas firs are shipped all over the world for use as Christmas trees. Douglas firs can be found in areas near Sisters, as well as true fir species such as noble, white, Pacific silver, red, and grand firs. In the Sisters area, fir trees are most often found at slightly higher elevations outside of town; so the timing of a Christmas tree expedi- tion can become a balancing act as the snow begins to pile up in the high country. Keep in mind that a Forest Service permit is valid only on Forest Service lands, so tree hunters must be certain that the selected tree is not on private land. A Forest Service map will clearly show forest boundaries. Trees selected for cutting must be at least 150 feet from state highways, picnic areas, campgrounds, or other developed sites. Trees within 300 feet of streams and lakes are also off limits. Other guidelines include selecting a tree that is no more than 12 feet tall. Trees taller than 12 feet require a special permit. The tree to be cut must also be within 15 feet of another tree; so, if the tree is standing alone in an open space, find another tree. Complete copies of Christmas tree hunt- ing guidelines and regulations can be obtained wherever tree permits are sold. Forest Service personnel will also provide guidance on areas where cutting is permitted and where to find particular tree species. The Sisters Ranger District office is located at the corner of Highway 20 and North Pine Street, on the west side of town. For further information call 541-549-7700. This year, local Forest Service offices scheduled special openings for Christmas tree permits on three Saturdays: November 18, December 2, and December 9. Tree permits are also available at Sisters Ace Hardware, Bi-Mart, Sisters Mainline (Chevron) Station, Sisters Rental, and the Camp Sherman Store. If you happen to be a fourth-grader — or know one — a tree permit can be obtained at no cost. This free tree program is an extension of the “Every Kid in a Park” (EKIP) program. EKIP entitles fourth-graders to a free National Park pass and a free tree from a National Forest. To claim a free Christmas tree permit for your fourth-grader, first obtain an EKIP pass by log- ging on to www.everykidinapark.gov then take the pass to a Forest Service office. The goal of EKIP is to promote young peoples’ connections with nature and the outdoors. Finally, be sure that your Christmas tree hunt is a safe one; be properly equipped. Also, children often have a tendency to wander off, so keep a close eye on children while in the woods. If you travel any significant distance from your vehicle, you should be prepared for outdoor winter travel; and remember that winter weather conditions can change rapidly. Also, it is always a good idea to let someone know where you are going; and carry appropri- ate emergency supplies. PHOTO BY CRAIG EISENBEIS
