Fourth-graders can get a free Christmas tree permit from the Forest Service

Fourth-graders can get a free permit to cut a Christmas tree on Forest Service lands. The permits are being given out as part of a program to get kids recreating outdoors.

Every Kid in a Park encourages children to visit national parks, forests and public lands. Fourth graders can print out a paper voucher at everykidinapark.gov, which they can take to their local national forest for a free permit.

Office locations and hours for the Colville National Forest in Northeast Washington are available at www.fs.usda.gov/colville. For the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, visit /www.fs.usda.gov/ipnf/.

For families without fourth-graders, regular permits are $5 each.

People cutting trees should be prepared for snow at high elevations, including dressing appropriately for the outing and packing emergency supplies.