Christmas Tree Cutting Begins On National Forests
The USDA-Forest Service will open five Front Range Christmas tree cutting areas on the Pike, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests beginning Saturday, December 3, through Sunday, December 11, 2011.
A $10.00 permit per tree is required before entering a tree cutting area with a limit of five permits per person. These permits are for personal use only.
Cutting areas on the Pike National Forest are: 1) Buffalo Creek (near Pine Junction): Permits are available at the South Platte Ranger Station, 19316 Goddard Ranch Court Morrison, CO 80465 or by mail (see website for mail in form) Required: Permit to cut a tree; must choose specific cutting date 2) Rampart Range Road near Pikes Peak: Permits available – Pikes Peak Ranger Station, 601 South Weber Street in Colorado Springs, CO; at the east parking lot of Woodland Park Middle School only on the weekends during the cutting period Required: Permit to cut a tree; tire chains or a four-wheel drive vehicle 3) South Park area near Fairplay: Permits are available – South Park Ranger Station at 320 South Highway 285 in Fairplay or by mail with a check or money order prior to tree cutting Required: Permit to cut a tree Recommended: Tire chains or a 4-wheel drive vehicle For safety reasons, all tree cutting sites entry hours are from 8:30am to 2:30pm during the cutting dates.
Here are the rules for cutting your own Christmas tree: 1) Cut a tree with trunk size around 6 inches in diameter (strictly enforced in some areas ? some local exceptions may apply) 2) Bring a handsaw to cut trees ? no chainsaws allowed 3) Use of chainsaws, snowmobiles, ATVs, other off-road vehicles and cutting trees marked with blue paint are strictly PROHIBITED 4) Cut trees within 6 inches of the ground and below all live limbs-take the whole tree 5) All pets must be on a leash and under master control 6) No trespassing on private property 7) Be sure to keep Christmas tree in water when displayed or stored at home For more information on Christmas tree cutting and directions to cutting areas please call the USDA Forest Service Visitor Information Services at the MapStore@USGS at (303) 202-4949 or check the Forest Service website for details.
