Angeles National Forest Bans Chopping Down Christmas Trees
The Angeles National Forest announced on Thursday that it is not allowing Christmas tree cutting this holiday season.
"We don't issue permits for cutting Christmas trees," said John Wagner, a spokesman for the Angeles National Forest.
This ban does not apply to all National Forests, however. On other federal lands across the country, Christmas tree chopping is allowed, but the U.S. Forest Service offers suggestions for "safe holiday tree-cutting."
"Trees from your national forests brighten homes across the country every year," said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. "We encourage people to be aware of changing weather conditions, dress accordingly and always follow safe cutting practices when looking for that perfect tree this holiday season."
In Los Angeles, however, authorities are on the lookout for tree choppers, who can not only be charged with a $500 base fine and a surcharge three times the estimated value of the tree, but also with a potential six-month jail sentence. The heavy punishment could possibly be due to the conditions wild pine trees in Southern California grow in. A typical 8-foot Christmas tree can take over 25 years to grow here.