Families can again visit the San Juan National Forest to cut their own Christmas tree, with seasonal permits available online and at the Dolores Ranger District office and other Southwest Colorado sites.
Permits cost $8, with an additional $2.50 processing fee for online purchases.
Forest officials say thinning dense forest improves overall health and often includes trees perfect for holiday décor. Clearing dense areas also creates space for wildlife and helps other trees grow taller and fuller. Officials said in a news release the activity can become a lasting holiday tradition.
A few ground rules apply. Forest officials urge people to prepare by reviewing permit rules, cutting dates and maps showing designated areas for species such as white fir, subalpine fir and spruce.
Cutting Ponderosa pine or Douglas fir is prohibited because officials say there aren’t enough younger trees to sustain healthy regrowth.
In Montezuma County, off-limit areas include the Sage Hen area; McPhee and Lone Dome Recreation areas from the dam to Bradfield Bridge; Narraguinnep Research Natural Area; and within a quarter-mile of both sides of West Mancos Road (Forest Road 561) between the National Forest boundary and Transfer campground.
Tree cutting is prohibited in wilderness areas, recreation or research areas, tree plantations, active timber sales, and within 100 feet of campgrounds or any county, state or federal road. Other areas closed to harvesting include La Plata Canyon near Durango.
Ponderosa pine (do not cut): These trees grow at mid-to-low elevations. They have long, round cluster needles and woody cones. Mature Ponderosa have orange, scaly bark.
Douglas fir (do not cut): These evergreens grow at 6,000-9,500 feet on moist, northern slopes and in canyons. They have short, flat green needles attached separately to branches with red-pointed tops. Cones have “little tails” between scales. Mature Douglas fir can reach 100-130 feet.
White fir (can cut): Recommended as “perhaps the best Christmas tree.” Found at 7,900-10,200 feet, with soft, fragrant blue-green needles and white lines on both sides.
Subalpine fir (can cut): Similar to white fir, with dark blue-green needles and silvery lines. Found at 8,000-12,000 feet.
Spruce (can cut): Prickly to the touch, with stiff, sharp needles. Found at higher elevations.
Create or log in to a Recreation.gov account to purchase permits. Permits are also sold during regular hours at San Juan National Forest offices in Dolores, Bayfield, Durango and Pagosa Springs, and at Kroeger’s Ace Hardware in Durango. Up to five permits can be purchased for trees up to 20 feet tall.
Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass receive one free tree permit, though the $2.50 online fee still applies.
Forest staff recommend checking weather and road conditions before traveling to higher elevations, where roads may be snowy or muddy and are not plowed.
Cut trees as close to the ground as possible, leaving a stump no taller than six inches. Shovel snow to measure accurately. Cut the entire tree, not just the top, and scatter remaining branches.
