By Andrew Mitchell
With B.C. Hydro transmission lines running the length of the Sea to Sky corridor, there are plenty of available Christmas trees for this winter.
This week the Ministry of Forests and Range released guidelines for cutting trees on Crown land this year, including guidelines for the Squamish Forest District which includes Whistler and Pemberton.
Each family is permitted to cut one free tree for personal use under B.C. Hydro transmission lines, providing they obtain a permit from the Squamish Forest District. The permits are available at the Resort Municipality of Whistler or on the district website ( http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/dsq/OpPlanning/FUPxtree.htm ).
There are a few conditions. The permits are only valid until Dec. 31 and people have to produce a copy of the permit when cutting their trees if approached by a Forest Officer, Conservation Officer or other provincial authority As well, people can only cut trees directly under the power lines, which are subject to regular cutting, or in three specific areas identified on the map accompanying the permit.
