Province reminds British Columbians that there are a few rules for Yuletide Christmas tree expeditions

For some of us, part of the annual Christmas tradition is to take to the back country in quest of the perfect Christmas tree and while British Columbia boasts of some of the best of trees to offer, there are some areas where those with axes and chainsaws should dare not go and for those other areas, having a Christmas Tree permit on hand as you search for your tree is required.

The annual reminder from the BC government was issued this week, with some helpful advice and a ready to print out Christmas Tree permit now available from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources and Rural Development.

Toward the advice, the province outlines some notes to keep in mind for your journey to the woods.

Leave home prepared. Bring ropes, gloves, tools, tire chains, a first-aid kit, a mobile phone and warm clothing.

Drive carefully. 

Be prepared for logging trucks: 

Make sure you have found the tree you will use before cutting. Some permits specify only one tree can be cut. 

Do not leave a pointed stump as this may cause injury to livestock, wildlife, pets or other people. 

Choose a tree that can be cut near the base and is easy to transport. Wasted tree remains left in the forest can form a summer fire hazard. 

Clean up and remove all debris associated with your activity.

An online map provides some guidance as to what areas are covered in the Northwest.

The North Coast is in the Skeena District and each district in BC is operated differently, to find out information on the Skeena-Stikine Region contact their offices at one of the numbers found here.

The actual permit to harvest your own tree for personal use, along with some notes on your planned harvest can be found here.

More background on the rules for tree cutting as well as some notes on etiquette can be explored here.