During what has been a tumultuous 2020 where Alaskans have been continuously asked to adjust traditions for the sake of curbing the spread of COVID-19, there is one tradition that the state is encouraging Alaskans to continue this year: getting outside to safely cut down your own, authentic, Alaskan-grown Christmas tree, free-of-charge.
You read that right: there is actually a safe, socially responsible activity available that involves getting out of the house, smiling, blasting some cheerful tunes, and being physically active. The state is hoping it will bring much-needed glittering showers of the holiday spirit to families across the Kenai Peninsula.
Tim Mowry with the state Division of Forestry did not aim to be a buzzkill when he spoke to KSRM News about rules-and-regulations, but he offered necessary detail to be mindful of when getting out to grab that special tree: “You want to make sure that you know the area that you’re cutting, as far as ownership – who owns that land, who manages the land. We allow Christmas tree cutting on state lands, but it’s up to the individual to know that they’re on state lands. There’s a lot of avenues for that: you’ve got the Borough’s tax assessment website, and they can just go onto Google Earth, they can use any number of ways to do that, but if there are any questions, you can call the Kenai / Kodiak area Forestry Office in Soldotna and they can help you in that regard.”
Once the appropriate land is found and a special Charlie Brown-esque connection has been made with a tree, there are other things to be mindful of: “The other stipulations are one tree to a family; you can’t sell these trees. Cut them as close to the ground as possible. Be nice and be prepared if you’re going out to cut a tree. In Alaska, roads aren’t always going to be maintained so you want to be sure you’ve got equipment: a shovel, maybe a train, or tow straps in case you get stuck. Also, warm clothes and all the same emergency gear you carry normally in the winter.”
The state’s press release also notes that the trees can be no more than 15-feet high, and they cannot come from state parks. The best part? No fees. No permit. Just stick to the state’s basic rules and there’s a fresh Alaska-grown tree in it for you. Those details being outlined, Mowry said that this tradition is perfect for the modern sensibilities of a COVID-aware family: “This is a pretty COVID-friendly activity. Small groups of people, such as your family, going outside and it’s not hard to stay socially distanced in the woods. Most people have a facemask on anyway. So, it’s a good, healthy activity.”
Several maps of eligible state lands on the Kenai can be found via this online brochure. For more questions, contact the office of the Division of Forestry located in Soldotna at (907) 260-4200.
