This holiday season, spend a day with the family playing in the snow, drinking hot coco, and adventuring to find the perfect Christmas tree. Whether tree cutting is already a household tradition, or this year marks the start of a new one, it is a great way to get outside, explore our backyard and spend time connecting with family. This year, both Dixie National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management in southern Utah are offering the opportunity to cut trees, giving families the chance to have a unique tree and a great experience.

While taking on the quest for the perfect tree, the Cedar City · Brian Head Tourism Bureau suggests adding snowshoes, snowmobiling or cross country skiing to the adventure. “Enjoying the winter wonderland outside is an adventure of its own, but when you add snowshoeing, skiing or maybe even a few sleds, you are sure to delight all family members involved,” Kenzie Lundberg, Communications Specialist for Cedar City · Brian Head Tourism Bureau recommends.

Need more incentive to get the family out and cut a tree? In support of the national Every Kid in a Park initiative, the Dixie National Forest will offer one free Christmas tree cutting permit to fourth graders who present a valid paper or durable Every Kid in a Park pass. The limited number of free permits are good for trees under 12-feet and the fourth grader must be present with the parent at the time the permit is issued. The Every Kid in a Park pass can be obtained at www.EveryKidinaPark.gov. Print out the voucher and bring into any Dixie National Forest office location for the free tree permit.

Permits for Dixie National Forest are available at all forest service offices– St. George (196 E. Tabernacle, Suite 40), Cedar City (1789 North Wedgewood Lane), Panguitch and Escalante – and through partner vendors, including, Ace Hardware in Cedar City, Boulder Exchange in Boulder, Clarke's Market in Tropic, Antimony Merc in Antimony, Cottam's Canyon Country in Escalante, DASIA at St. George Interagency Office, and Veyo Mercantile in Veyo. The 4th grade free tree permits are only available at Forest Service offices. Permits for trees up to ten feet can be purchased for $10, and permits for trees above ten feet can be purchased for $20. For more information, contact the Dixie National Forest at (435) 865-3700.

Permits to cut pinyon pine, white fir and juniper trees through the Bureau of Land Management will be available at the Cedar City (176 East D.L. Sargent Drive) and St. George (345 East Riverside Drive) Field Offices. Permits are $10 each with a limit of two per household. For more information, contact the Bureau of Land Management at (435) 865-3000.

A few things to remember when cutting your perfect tree; always cut within designated areas (maps are included with the permits), stumpsshouldbe left no higher than six inches and any branches left on the stump should be lopped off, and tags, which come with the permit, should be attached to the tree after it is cut. Winter weather conditions in the mountains are unpredictable, so always be prepared; stay on designated roads and trails. Be prepared for slick, snow-packed roads and remember to carry a cell phone, additional warm clothing, and water. Be safe and enjoy the holiday season!

For more activity ideas, gear rental, lodging deals, more on area attractions and trip planning information contact the Cedar City • Brian Head Tourism Bureau at (435) 586-5124, visit www.VisitCedarCity.com, or stop by the Visitor Center at 581 North Main Street, Cedar City, Utah.

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