New York Man Illegally Cuts Down Christmas Tree; You Can’t Do This

Many New Yorkers headed out to tree farms around the state following Thanksgiving to pick the perfect Christmas tree. According to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, one individual did it illegally.

On Saturday November 26th, Forest Ranger McCartney was checking the register at Moss Lake in Herkimer County when he heard someone approaching. A 58-year-old from Old Forge was dragging a freshly cut spruce tree and carrying a saw toward a pickup truck in the parking lot.

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The DEC states that unauthorized cutting of live trees or new trail building is prohibited on State land. Once this subject loaded the tree into his truck, Ranger McCartney educated him about regulations prohibiting the cutting of trees by the public on State land. The subject was issued an appearance ticket.

There are several places to get your Christmas tree legally in New York. Here are a few to choose from.

ELM'S FAMILY FARM - Charlton Road in Ballston Spa

• Fresh Cut or Cut Your Own
• Friday - 10:30a-4:30p
• Saturday - 9a-4:30p
• Sunday - 9a-4:30p
• Monday 10:30a-4:30p

BOB'S TREES - 1227 West Galway Road, Hagaman

• Fresh Cut or Cut Your Own
• Monday - Sunday - 8a-5p

McDONOUGH'S FARM - 28 Gilligan Road, East Greenbush

• Fresh Cut or You Cut
• Friday - 9a-6p
• Saturday - 9a-5p
• Sunday - 9a-5p

GOODE TREES and WREATHS  - Goode Road, Ballston Spa

• Fresh Cut or Cut Your Own
• Saturday - 9a-4p
• Sunday - 9a-4p

SCOTCH BUSH HERB AND TREE FARM - Highway 30, Amsterdam

• Fresh cut or Cut Your Own
• Open 7 days - 10a-5p

FOGG HOLLOW FARM - CHRISTMAS TREE FARM - 166 Stage Road, Charlton

• Fresh Cut or Cut Your Own
• Cash or check only
• Saturday - 9a-4:45p
• Sunday 9a-4:45p