BLM and Forest Service Christmas tree permits available

MONTROSE, Colo.—Bureau of Land Management and Ouray Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service Christmas tree permits go on sale Monday, November 20, at the Montrose Interagency Office, 2505 S. Townsend Avenue. Permits will be available for purchase from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The deadline for purchasing a permit is noon, Friday, December 22. All permits expire December 25.

Permit cost is $8 per tree. On BLM public lands only pinyon and juniper trees are available for harvesting. On Forest Service-managed lands all species are permitted to be harvested and those include sub-alpine fir, Engelmann spruce, pinyon pine, Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine and Rocky Mountain juniper. At the time of purchase you will be provided with information to assist you in locating suitable trees, and you will also receive the rules for cutting trees. Cutting is permitted on all public lands except in the following areas: riparian, closed, developed campgrounds, wilderness areas or the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. Cutting is not permitted on tree plantations or on private land.

Trees are for personal use only and may not be resold. Permit purchase is limited to two trees per household. 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.

Play it safe. 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. 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 Montrose Interagency Information Desk at 970-240-5300.

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