Yellowknife (Dec 17/04) - Yes, Virginia, you can chop down your own Christmas tree. Actually, you can have two.

According to Lance Schmidt, forests manager with the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, you can take pretty much any tree you like.

There's no limitation on the size of the tree or even what kind it is.

"People have called us up and wanted a birch for a Christmas tree, and you can take one," said Schmidt. "(The legislation) doesn't specify species."

But there are limits on where you can get your tree.

"You can't cut any tree down in an area considered Parks and Recreation or Nature Preservation," explained City of Yellowknife Municipal Enforcement manager Doug Gillard.

"I can't think of an area in the city where you can legally cut down a tree."

So trees within city limits are out, as are trees on leased land or private property.

As Gillard pointed out, "you can't just walk into the neighbour's yard and whack a tree down."

That leaves Crown land and around Yellowknife, that's a lot of trees.

"It's not a big deal," said Schmidt.

"Two Christmas trees: cut 'em down, take 'em home and enjoy Christmas."