To legally cut a Christmas Tree, A Free Use Permit must be obtained. The permit holder then may cut a tree on an old Road Right of Way or from under a power line. The permit may be obtained from the Penticton Forestry office 250.492.2200 or from the Kelowna Forstry Office at 250.861.7634, or go to the Ministry of Forest website for information and a downloadable Christmas Tree Free Use Permit at Ministry of Forests

May 2010
Tussok Moth Spray Program
April 2010
Tussok Moth Spray Program
JULY 21, 2009.
There is an increase in white moths in the watersheds recently. These are Douglas Fir Tussock Moths and we are currently experiencing an outbreak of the pest in the Okanagan, Similkameen and Kamloops areas. We have had similar outbreaks previously, back in the 1980's. Here is the link to the Ministry of Forests and Range website that is recommended for more details: Douglas Fir, Tussock Moth
Basically the pest is a defoliator. It eats the fir needles. Trees can usually withstand one attack but may die after two or more consecutives years of attack. The top 1/3 of the tree is typically defoliated and will die but if the tree survives it eventually grows a new top.