Prince Albert National Park is inviting the public to come cut down a Christmas tree.
Park Ecologist Dustin Guedo explained for the fifth straight year they are inviting the public to cut down a tree from the fire break surrounding the Waskesiu town site. The park has been allowing people to take trees since the start of the month. People will be allowed to take trees until Dec. 24.
Guedo said the original idea for the tree harvest came about as the park did work to maintain the fire break around the town site.
“These trees are all the perfect size for Christmas trees,” he said.
There is no cost to take a tree from the fire break, but people are being asked to check in at the visitors centre before going and cutting one down. The public also has to bring an axe or hand saw.
Guedo said so far this year they have seen a good number of people come to the park to get a tree. In past years they have seen anywhere from 130 to 200 trees taken over a number of weeks.
“In our first week we had almost 130 people come in a get a Christmas tree permit,” he said.
Besides being able to get a tree for free, Guedo said those who come and cut a tree down will be helping to protect the town site.
“Every small tree that can come out contributes to the protection,” he said.
(Photo: Parks Canada Saskatchewan Twitter)