Borough opens area for tree-cutting near the Butte

WASILLA — Finding that perfect Christmas tree will be a little easier this year for those who enjoy tromping through the woods.

Along with annual state land access to tree cutting within the Matanuska Valley Moose Range, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has opened access to 95 acres near the Butte as well for residents who fill out a permit. There is no fee, and the limit is one tree per household.

The borough area will be open until Dec. 25.

“It’s a great opportunity for residents to go out and get that tree this year,” said borough resource manager Ray Nix, adding that the area is accessible for all ages.

Participants must sign up for the permit at the Borough Land and Resource Management Division, located in the main borough building in Palmer, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. When signing up, participants will be asked to sign a form that will have a map of the area on the back, Nix said. Those cutting trees must have the form in hand while in the field. Motorized access is allowed, Nix added.

“The trees should be no more than 15 feet in height and four inches in diameter,” Nix said. “Also, make sure to cut the tree as close to the ground as possible.”

Nix said some 30 permits have been issued so far, adding that he was in the area Sunday and saw a few families taking advantage of the program, which hasn’t been offered in many years.

“I was able to drive my full-size truck out on those trails and it’s all in pretty good shape right now,” he said. “I would still recommend four-wheel drive, but even then one can just park and walk a short distance to find a good one. Those trees have shown some good growth.”

On the state side, the Moose Range requires no permit, and the limit is one tree per household. Private property lies within the cutting area, and visitors are asked to respect those boundaries. Access is primarily in the Sun Valley Road-Wendt Road area (near Mile 6.3 of Palmer Fishhook Road) and foot traffic only is recommended. Additional entry points can be found off Murphy Road, which can be accessed from Buffalo Mine Road.

For borough tree-cutting information, call 861-7869. For cutting trees on state land, call 761-6300.

Contact reporter Steven Merritt at 352-2269 or steven.merritt@frontiersman.com