The holiday season is a great time to honor long-standing traditions and maybe even start a few new ones, like baking holiday cookies, watching classic holiday films or cutting your own Christmas tree.
All you will need to cut your own tree is a small saw, some rope to safely secure it for transport and — of course — a permit.
Christmas tree permits will be available at San Juan National Forest offices, from local vendors and online through Recreation.gov beginning Nov. 14.
Details about designated cutting areas, dates and types of trees that may be cut can be found on the San Juan National Forest’s Christmas tree permit webpage on Recreation.gov. Please carefully read the need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit.
Visitors will need to set up or log in to a Recreation.gov account if purchasing a Christmas tree permit online. Online permits are $8 plus a $2.50 fee to Recreation.gov. Tree permits are available for $8 at the San Juan National Forest Supervisor’s Office and the Dolores, Columbine and Pagosa district offices during normal business hours.
Fourth-graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number at the time of purchase.
“We have heard concerns that cutting too many trees during the holiday season will have a negative impact on the region’s forests, but the opposite is true,” said Troy Heithecker, a regional forester. “Cutting Christmas trees improves forest health and reduces wildfire risk. The permit system is designed to thin carefully chosen, densely populated tree stands that will benefit from having some trees removed. Cutting trees from designated areas will allow the remaining trees to grow larger while creating open areas that provide food for wildlife.”
Do not cut Ponderosa pine or Douglas fir trees. Please review the San Juan National Forest Christmas Tree cutting guidelines and rules thoroughly.
Christmas tree cutting is not allowed:
• In wilderness areas, recreation areas or research natural areas.
• Within 100 feet of any developed campground, county roads and state or federal highways.
• In tree plantation and active timber sales
• In specific locations identified in the permit, including La Plata Canyon near Durango.
Here are some more tips to have a safe and enjoyable tree cutting excursion:
• Know your location and only cut from designated Forest Service areas.
• Never cut on private lands.
• Stay on public roads.
• Do not top trees; take the whole tree.
• Cut trunks no more than 6 inches from ground and 6 inches in diameter.
• Watch the forecast — mountain weather can change very quickly.
• Traction devices or four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended in some areas.
• Carry a shovel, flashlight, blanket, extra food and water.
• Remember that cellphones may not work in remote areas.
• Pack out all your trash.
Cutting a Christmas tree can improve forest health. Local forest health experts identify areas that benefit from thinning trees that tend to be the perfect size for Christmas trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide forage for wildlife.
For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874 or visit the forest website.
