There is still time to get a tag and cut your own Christmas tree

By Ryan Woodard, Journal Staff Writer | Tuesday, December 05, 2006

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CUSTER — With many trees and a wide variety of forest to scour, some people looking to cut a Christmas tree from the Black Hills National Forest may wonder where to start.

The best spot to look for a tree all depends on what kind you are looking for, according to Deanna Reyher, forest soil scientist/ecologist for the Black Hills National Forest.

The three main kinds in the Hills are the Black Hills Spruce, Rocky Mountain Juniper and Ponderosa Pine. Each has its own unique characteristic, she said.

“Spruce have a real nice, traditional tree shape … to me they are what most folks think of as a traditional Christmas tree shape,” Reyher said.

Spruce trees are short-needled and can be found in the Northern Hills, especially in the Deerfield Lake area. The trees are also found in “pockets” of the Southern Hills, Reyher said.

Rocky Mountain Juniper aren’t quite as tall as the spruce and have a rounder shape and denser foliage, Reyher said, adding that the tree is her favorite.

“I like the Rocky Mountain Juniper that’s located in the Southern Hills because of their scent. They have a nice juniper scent,” she said.

However, she said a nicely shaped juniper can be difficult to find in the Hills.

The most common and easy to find tree is the Ponderosa Pine, which has long pine needles.

“(Ponderosa Pine) is our major tree component in the Black Hills. Since they’re located in over 80 percent of the Hills, they’re easy to find,” she said.

Not only are they the most abundant, Reyher said, Ponderosa Pine are also the most commonly sought-after tree. And some people are pretty picky about what they get.

“I think they target certain ones. For some people, spruce is the only one they go after. That’s the majority of what I see cut,” she said.

After finding a tree, cutting it is relatively easy. All that is needed is warm clothes and gloves, a handsaw, and, in many areas of rough terrain, a four-wheel drive vehicle, according to Rick Hudson, forest recreation program leader. The process is fun for many, he said.

“It’s a great way to spend a day in the woods with your family,” he said.

Last, and perhaps more importantly, a tag is needed for cutting a tree. Tags must be attached to trees before they are cut. The tags are $10 and can be bought from a number of vendors in the Black Hills (see box).

Trees may not be cut in developed recreation sites or Forest Service administrative sites, active timber sales, Black Hills Experimental Forest near Rochford, Black Elk Wilderness, Beaver Park area near Sturgis, or within Spearfish Canyon. Trees must be cut at least 6 inches from the bottom of the stump.

Christmas tree tags still available

Tags are available from the following vendors until Dec. 22.

- Hiway Hardware, Hill City (547-2035)

- Cenex Convenience Store, Sturgis (347-3305)

- Deadwood History & Information Center (578-2507)

- Minitman Too (formerly Buckstop), Spearfish (642-4945)

- Mistletoe Ranch, Hill City (547-2035)

- Rapid Stop Conoco, Sundance, Wyo. (307-283-2240)

Permits are also available at these Forest Service offices:

- Rapid City — Mystic District Office, 8221 South Hwy 16, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Christmas tree permits will be sold at this location from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2.)

- Custer — Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1019 North 5Th Street, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Newcastle, Wyo. — Hell Canyon District Office, 1225 Washington Blvd., Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

- Spearfish — Northern Hills Ranger District Office, 2014 North Main St., Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Christmas tree permits will be sold at this location from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2.)

- Sundance, Wyo. — Bearlodge Ranger District Office, Highway 14 East, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.