Christmas tree permits, which allow you to cut your own holiday tree, are now on sale for $8 at San Juan National Forest offices and selected retail outlets in Southwest Colorado.
A permit allows the bearer to cut one tree up to 20 feet tall for personal use until Dec. 31. Permits come with a brochure with safety tips, information on which species of tree to harvest, and the best places to find trees.
The Forest Service is also offering one free permit to fourth-graders who hold a valid Every Kid in a Park pass or paper voucher downloaded from: www.EveryKidinaPark.gov. The free permit is good only at agency offices, and the participating fourth grader must be present.
In addition, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Christmas Tree Train will run on weekends from Nov. 25 through Dec. 10.
Go to: http://www.durangotrain.com/events/christmas-tree-train to find out how you can ride the train into the National Forest to cut your own Christmas tree, with help from the U.S. Forest Service, San Juan Mountains Association and FireWise of Southwest Colorado.
San Juan National Forest permits are now on sale at:
DoloresDolores Ranger District, 29211 Colorado Highway 184, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.Dolores Food Market, 400 Railroad Ave.MancosCox Conoco, 201 E. Railroad Ave.LewisCox Corner Store, 18794 U.S. Highway 491.DurangoSan Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.Kroeger’s Ace Hardware, No. 8 Town Plaza.BayfieldColumbine Ranger District, 367 Pearl St., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.Pagosa SpringsPagosa Ranger District, 180 Pagosa St., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, sometimes closed noon-1 p.m.