BLM Christmas tree permits available beginning November 21

GRAND JUNCTION, CO—Bureau of Land Management Christmas tree permits will go on sale Monday, November 21, at the BLM Grand Junction Field Office, 2815 H Rd, and the Glade Park Store. Permits will be available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the BLM office, and seven days a week at the Glade Park Store. Permit cost is $10 per tree, and the deadline for purchasing a permit is Friday, December 23. All permits expire December 25.

Pinyon and juniper are the only types of trees that can be harvested, and trees can only be cut in designated areas. At the time of purchase, you will receive a map and travel directions, as well as rules and guidelines for cutting your tree. Trees are for personal use only and may not be resold. The same individual may purchase more than one permit for friends and family.

Areas open this year to Christmas tree gathering are: Dominguez/Farmers Canyon (Uncompahgre Plateau), Gateway, Tom’s Canyon and 5.7 Rd (Glade Park) and Round Mountain (De Beque), and all areas are within an hour’s drive of Grand Junction, depending on weather and road conditions. The area with the largest selection of trees is the Dominguez/Farmers Canyon area. All areas will require parking along the road, walking in and carrying the tree out. Cross-country motorized travel to retrieve a tree is not allowed, but there are many side roads that you can take. Because the areas have been open for many years, a better selection of trees may be found some distance from the roads.

Be sure to bring along a handsaw and rope or twine. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with tire chains, a shovel and emergency supplies such as extra food and blankets. Many of the areas will have limited vehicle access depending on snow depths, and four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for all cutting areas. Be aware of changing weather and road conditions before you head out to find your Christmas tree.

For more information, call the BLM Information Desk at 970-244-3000 or BLM Forester Dave Stevens at 970-244-3009.

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