EPHRAIM-- Christmas tree permits for the Sanpete Ranger District will be sold to the public Saturday, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at designated sites. The tags will be sold at a nominal fee on a first-come, first-serve basis.

There are 1,600 tags available, which will be sold until they are gone, or until 12 p.m., whichever comes first. Tags will be sold one per representative of a family. Tags will not be available at the district office or by mail.

Sale of tags will occur at the following locations: Stock corral east of Spring City, 400 tags; end of paved road in Ephraim Canyon, 300 tags; Manti LDS Stake Center, 295 South Main, for Manti Canyon, 225 tags; Sterling LDS Church parking lot, for Six-mile, 175 tags; stock corral east of Mayfield, for Twelve-mile, 300 tags; Fountain Green, near the new elementary school, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 100 tags; Nephi District Office, 740 South Main, 11 a.m. t o 12:30 p.m., 100 tags.

Tags sold at Fountain Green and Nephi are for harvesting trees on the Sanpitch Mountains. Historically, tags have sold out in Spring City, Ephraim, Manti, Nephi and Fountain Green. Tags have been left over at Six-mile and Twelve-mile Canyons.

Trees may be cut in designated areas on the weekends of Nov. 29 and 30; Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14. Cutting trees in other areas or at other times will be a violation, unless written permission has been secured from the Sanpete Ranger District. Tags are limited for each area to prevent over harvest of trees.

The forest officer selling tags will issue each purchaser cutting instructions. Vehicle access, except for snow machines, must be confined to established roads. Roads may be muddy, snow-packed and slick.

The Forest Service had proposed to increase the cost of tree permits this year, however, the proposed increase has been delayed until Nov. 2009. The official comment period for this proposal is Nov. 3 through Dec. 15. If anyone would like to comment on the proposed fee increase, address comments to Christmas Tree Fee Proposal. Attention E. Alexander, 599 West Price River Drive, Price, Utah 84501.

Cutting a Christmas tree is a holiday tradition for most people. Everyone is encouraged to follow safety rules for cold weather and make the tree cutting a wonderful experience.