It’s the most wonderful time of year to visit the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests to find the perfect Christmas tree for your home. Christmas tree permits are $5 each and allow the holder to cut one tree. Each household can purchase a maximum of five permits.
Permits can be purchased on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at any of the Deschutes or Ochoco Supervisor or District offices. On weekends, the permits also are available at several commercial outlets across Central Oregon. Permits can be obtained at the locations listed below.
Additional information is available online at www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes
Weather conditions at higher elevations can be dramatically different from local conditions and the public should be prepared for cold and unpredictable weather. Additionally, most forest roads are not maintained for winter driving, so snow patches or debris may be encountered.
Bring a hand saw or axe as well as winter clothing and safety equipment. Tire chains and a shovel are recommended, as is extra food, drinking water, blankets, a flashlight, first-aid kit and survival gear. Tree cutting and travel can take longer than anticipated, and individuals are encouraged to notify a friend or family member of the anticipated destination and to leave the woods well before dark.
To keep a tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard, leave it outside until you’re ready to move it indoors. Cut the trunk at an angle before placing it in the stand and remember to refill the stand’s reservoir daily.
Bend
• Deschutes NF Supervisors Office, 63095 Deschutes Market Road, 383-5300
• Bend/Fort Rock Ranger Station, 63095 Deschutes Market Road, 383-4000
• Bend Convention and Visitor Bureau, 750 N.W. Lava Rd.., Suite 160 541-382-8048
• Bi-Mart, 351 N.E. 2nd Street, 389-5505
• Butler Market South, 61396 S. Hwy 97, 383-0146
• C.E. Lovejoy’s Brookswood Market, 19530 Amber Meadow Drive, 388-1188
• Powder House, 311 S.W. Century Drive, 389-6234
Crescent • Crescent Ranger Station, 136471 Hwy 97 North, 541-433-3200
La Pine
• Bi-Mart 51670 Huntington Rd., 541-536-9600
• Quick Stop Market, 51497 Hwy 97, 541-536-2553
• Corner Store, 15989 Burgess Rd., 541-536-0700
Prineville • Ochoco NF Supervisors Office, 3160 N.E. 3rd Street,
541-416-6500
• Bi-Mart 2091 N.E. 3rd St., 541-447-4951
• R & R Grocery, 940 S.E. Combs Flat Rd., 541-447-7231
Camp Sherman
• Camp Sherman Store, Ctr. & Main St., S.W. Roberts Bridge Rd., 541-595-6711
Paulina
• Kurt’s Country Store & Tavern 70344 S.E. Paulina City Rd., 541-477-3311
Madras
• Bi-Mart, 1575 Hwy 97 541-475-1394
Redmond
• Redmond Air Center, 1740 S.E. Ochoco Way, 541-504-7200
• Big R, 3141 S. Hwy 97, 541-548-4095
• Bi-Mart, 1727 S.W. Odem Medo Way 541-923-7220
Sisters
• Sisters Ranger Station, Pine St. & Hwy 20, 541-549-7700
• Lutton’s Ace Hardware, 373 E. Hood Ave., 541-549-8011
• Sisters Mainline Station, 1001 Railway, 541-549-5400
• Sisters Rental, 506 N. Pine St., 541-549-9631
• Bi-Mart 445 W. Hwy 20, 541-719-2000
Sunriver
• Hammer Time, 56820 Venture Ln., 541-593-8168
• Village Properties, 56835 Venture Ln., 800-786-7483
