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Wednesday, November 22, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
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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