WEBB — A Herkimer County man was ticketed after he was spotted taking a Christmas tree on state land Saturday afternoon, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Authorities said a state forest ranger was checking the register at Moss Lake at about 1 p.m. Saturday when he heard someone coming towards him on the trail. The forest ranger watched as a 58-year-old man from Old Forge walked past with a freshly cut spruce tree and a saw, officials said.

After the man loaded the tree into the back of his truck, authorities said the forest ranger stopped him to discuss the prohibition on cutting trees on state-owned land, including for holiday celebrations. The man was ticketed for taking the tree. His identity was not released.