BLM Christmas tree permits available beginning November 20

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.—Bureau of Land Management Christmas tree permits will go on sale Monday, November 20, at the BLM Grand Junction Field Office, at 2815 H Road, as well as at the Glade Park Store. Permits will be available for purchase from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the BLM office, and seven days a week at the Glade Park Store. The deadline for purchasing a permit is Friday, December 22. All permits expire December 25.

Permit cost is $10 per tree, and pinyon and juniper are the only types of trees that can be harvested on BLM Grand Junction public lands. At the time of purchase, you will receive a map and travel directions, as well as rules 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-Farmer’s Canyon (Uncompahgre Plateau), Gateway, Round Mountain (De Beque) and Tom’s Canyon (Glade Park). Trees may be cut in designated areas only. All areas are within an hour’s drive of Grand Junction, depending on weather and road conditions, and the area with the largest selection of trees is located in the Dominguez-Farmer’s Canyon area. The public should note that trees in the Tom’s Canyon area on Glade Park are extremely limited because of the increased number of fuel reduction projects being conducted to lessen the chance for catastrophic wildfire and to improve habitat. 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. It is recommended that you hike some distance from the roads to find the perfect tree.

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. 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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