Christmas tree permits, which allow you to cut your own holiday tree on National Forest and BLM lands, are now on sale at San Juan Public Lands offices and selected retail outlets in southwestern Colorado. A permit, which costs $8, allows you to cut one tree up to 20 feet tall for personal use. This years permits expire Dec. 31, 2012. Permits come with a brochure explaining regulations and helpful tips. National Forest/BLM offices also sell maps and offer free advice on the best areas for tree harvesting, and the best species of tree to cut. Our offices in Bayfield, Dolores, Durango and Pagosa Springs will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through the holidays. Permits are on sale at:
MANCOS: Cox Conoco, 201 E. Railroad Ave.
BAYFIELD:
Columbine Ranger District, 367 Pearl St.
CORTEZ:
City Market, Cortez, 508 E. Main
DOLORES:
Dolores Public Lands Office, 29211 Highway 184
Dolores Food Market - 400 Railroad Ave, Dolores
(Note: Permits are not on sale at the Anasazi Heritage Center.)
DURANGO:
San Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court
Kroegers Ace Hardware, #8 Town Plaza
PAGOSA SPRINGS:
Pagosa Ranger District, 180 Pagosa St.
National Forest and BLM roads are not plowed for snow removal, and even if backcountry roads are not closed due to snow, dangerous ice conditions may exist. Call the San Juan Public Lands Center at 970 247-4874 for up-to-date information on road conditions. More information and tips on how to cut your Christmas tree on public lands are available on the San Juan National Forest webpage under Quick Links at: www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan.