As a member of the public (permittee), I can find areas in national forests near me where I can cut Christmas trees.

[sadlerw]

As a member of the public (permittee), I can find areas in national forests near me where I can cut Christmas trees.

[sadlerw]

• most users are within 40 minutes to forest boundary then hour
• some travel from urban for recreational stay and get tree (40-hour drive)
• info on where in a forest a user can harvest can vary (map preferred or text)

Stories

1. As a user I would like to search and find the site using a forest and keyboard - Mt Hood and Christmas Tree [permit]

2. As a user I would like to search and find the christmas tree permit site then choose my forest - christmas tree permit

3. As a user I would like to search for christmas trees permit then choose my area - name of the forest, state, city (maybe)

4. As a user I would like to be able to choose the forest I want to harvest in.

   • map (image)
   • ** list of forest names (4 pilot forests) concern: people don't know what's around them - need a funnel (map) look at existing forest sites - fire community, inciweb

[sadlerw]

Stories:

1. As a user I can choose a forest to discover more information about tree harvesting

2. Find Harvesting Areas in a forest Assumptions: group of eligible forests (or just Mt Hood) - a forest has been selected Questions:

   • where are the harvesting areas? e.g. 50 feet off path or roadway, also restricted areas versus allowable areas, warnings about private land bordering forest areas, etc.
   • when can harvesting occur?
   • what rules exist for harvest?
   • what can be harvested?

Story Breakdown:

1. As a user I would like to know what species and size of trees can be harvested in my selected forest area? 8 points Questions:
   • start with given forest and area? yes

Tasks

• find content providers (Amber & Colin)
• approval of content (Amber & Colin)
• research to find content on existing web sites
• editing/creation of content (Jane and team)
• provide simple linking mechanism (url to get to the page) (or forest picker)
• prototype (probably html)
• usability testing of the prototype
• finalize html layout, styles
• a11y

2. As a user I would like to know the rules that exist for harvesting trees for my selected forest area?

3. As a user I would like to know when I can harvest? (for my selected forest?)

4. As a user I would like to know where the harvesting areas are?

   • map is preferred
   • textual description
   • fs admin needs to be able to edit/update
   • most fs sites currently have a pdf

5. As a user I would like to know what harvesting area is near me?

6. As a user I would like to know if I can access a harvest area (road conditions)?

7. As a user I would like to know how to harvest a tree (maybe)

8. As a forest admin I want to know that the user has understood and reviewed all of this information before proceeding to create a permit?

9. As a user I would like to know how many trees I can harvest at a time or seasonally

[sadlerw]

available pilot forests:

Arapaho Roosevelt, Mt Hood, Flathead, and Shoshone National Forests

[sadlerw]

From Mt Hood (https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd497955.pdf):

Background: For many homes, the holiday season would not be complete without a fresh scented Christmas tree. Among the more popular trees are true fi rs (noble and grand), pine and Douglas-fi rs which have a more “natural” look than the intensively cultured trees from the tree farm. Harvest Techniques: Do not cut any tree within a fenced area, or tree test sites. Cut tree as close to the ground as possible. Cut stumps should not be taller than 12” and no live branches are to be left on the stump. Do not cut any tree unless it is at least 300 feet away from highways, campgrounds or other developed areas. Cut only on public lands open to the public. Cut only trees less than 12 feet tall. (Larger trees available at a “per foot” cost). One tree tag (see below) is required for each tree removed. Be sure to validate by completely removing the day, month and year tabs and attaching it to your tree so that it is clearly visible before driving off. Season: Christmas tree season is November to December 24.

[sadlerw]

Arapaho Roosevelt:

Cutting Guidelines (https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/passes-permits/?cid=stelprdb5163516): Tree trunk must be six inches or less in diameter (strictly enforced). Cut tree six inches or less from ground Permits must be attached to tree before cutting and removing, and visible for easy checkout

From https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/passes-permits/?cid=fsm91_058252 Christmas Tree cutting opportunities are available near Red Feather Lakes (West of Fort Collins) and at several locations on National Forest Lands in Grand County, including the Elk Creek Area near Winter Park and Fraser. Permits are available for the location near Red Feather Lakes at the U. S. Forest Service Fort Collins and Ault offices. Cutting dates are Dec. 3-11, 2016 The Visitor Office in Fort Collins is open Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday. Call 970-295-6700 before arriving to ensure someone who can sell permits is available. Permits MUST be purchased in advance for Grand County locations (Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, Grand Lake) beginning Nov. 1, 2016, at the U.S. Forest Service Granby office in Granby (weekdays only); Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply in Fraser (8 am - 6 pm; Monday - Saturday and 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday) at 541 Zerex St.; the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce (9 am- 5 pm; 7 days a week) at 78841 U.S. Highway 40; and the Country Ace Hardware Store in Granby (8 am - 6 pm; Monday - Saturday and 9 am - 5 pm; Sunday) at 627 W. Agate. The Elk Creek cutting area will be open Dec. 3-10, 2016. Click here for more information. Other areas for Christmas Trees near the Front Range: Permits are also sold at the South Platte (303-275-5610) for areas near Morrison and Dillon Ranger District (970-468-5400) for areas near Silverthorne. Check this site for information on tree cutting in the Denver/Front Range area. Please note: Christmas Tree Permits are not available for purchase at the Clear Creek Ranger District Office in Idaho Springs or the Boulder Ranger District in Boulder.

[sadlerw]

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/flathead/home/?cid=stelprdb5402370&width=full

Christmas Tree Cutting Flathead National Forest Personal Use Christmas Tree Guidelines $5.00 (cash) per Tree / Maximum 2 Trees per Household Cutting the family Christmas tree is an outing that people who live near forested lands can enjoy during the holiday season. The Flathead National Forest has an abundant choice of trees from which to choose. A permit is required to cut your tree on the National Forest. The permit is $5.00 per tree, with a maximum of 2 trees per household. Permits are available at all Flathead National Forest offices. If you are unsure of the Forest boundary, maps showing ownership are available at the Supervisor's Office in Kalispell, or at the District Ranger Stations in Bigfork, Hungry Horse. Christmas Tree Permit on tree

Cutting your Christmas tree can improve or damage the forest. We request that you follow these guides when getting your tree:

Christmas trees cut to thin overcrowded stands can be beneficial. As young stands of trees mature, they are constantly competing for more space. By cutting your Christmas tree from dense groups around the more vigorous trees, the remaining trees will grow faster to make our future forest.

We ask that you do not cut in plantations, previously thinned stands of trees, campgrounds, or areas posted as closed to Christmas tree cutting.

Only trees that are three to four inches in diameter or less at the stump should be cut. The stump should be cut below eight inches in height. Remove all the limbs from the unused portion of the tree, including the live limbs from the stump. Please do not cut large trees just for their tops.

Forest Service roads which are plowed in the winter may have logging traffic. Please drive safely, and be alert for other hazards that may occur. Park in an area where other traffic can get by safely.

We hope you will follow these cutting guides, and have a safe and enjoyable outing.

[sadlerw]

Shoshone:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/shoshone/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5399697

Christmas Tree permits now available from the Shoshone National Forest Release Date: Nov 16, 2012
Contact(s): Kristie Salzmann Contact: Kristie Salzmann 307.250.0148

Christmas Tree permits now available from the Shoshone National Forest

Cody, Wyo. (November 16, 2012) – Christmas tree permits are now available from the Shoshone National Forest. Cutting your own Christmas tree on national forest lands can be an enjoyable tradition for all involved. The cost for a permit is $8.00 for a tree up to 20 feet tall. If you wish to cut a larger tree, additional permits are required. Permits are now available at Shoshone National Forest offices in Cody, Dubois, and Lander, which are open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday (except legal holidays). These permits are also now available for purchase at the below local business locations: • Red Eagle Store #2, Cody • The Red Barn, North Fork Highway • Wind River Gear and Pit Stop, Dubois • Popo Agie One Stop, Lander • Wea Market, Meeteetse • One Stop Shoppe, Powell • Red Eagle Store #5, Ralston • All three Pit Stops in Riverton Rules and regulations apply, so please follow the instructions that come with the permit. Below are a few of the rules: • Trees may not be cut in any wilderness areas, marked timber sale areas, or within 300 feet of campgrounds, lodges, summer homes, private land, and ranger stations. • The required tag(s) must be attached to the tree before it is transported. • Off-road travel regulations are in effect; check with your local ranger district for more information. • When cutting a tree, stumps must be cut at four inches or less; it is important to keep all roadways clear of debris and slash. • Boughs may be cut only from trees tagged with a permit. • Take extra care while driving and with saws and axes, and be prepared for winter conditions; check weather and road conditions before heading out to cut your tree. For further information about cutting a Christmas tree on your local national forest lands, please call or visit any Shoshone National Forest office. As the nation’s first national forest, the Shoshone National Forest has 2.4 million acres of diverse terrain and a mission to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the forest to meet the needs of present and future generations.

[MelissaBraxton]

Shoshone National forest let Amber know that they did not want any maps up on their specific page, so we will need to take down the map on the Shoshone page. cc - @sadlerw