TREECUTTING | You can chop
till they drop
at these 8 sites
Holiday tree hunters who enjoy the time-honored tradition of cutting down their own pine or Douglas fir have plenty of options in the state’s forests.
Keep in mind that some of the areas may require four-wheel-drive vehicles or chains in inclement weather. Only hand tools can be used to cut the trees, which should be no taller than 15 feet or 6 inches in diameter at base of the trunk. Topping of trees is prohibited.
Generally, permits cost $10 and must be purchased before a tree is cut. Be sure to check with the forest office in your area for special guidelines before embarking.
The annual cutting parties help officials thin overcrowded areas, improve health of the forests and reduce impacts of future wildfires, according to officials. Following is a partial listing of cutting areas. Call your local ranger district for more information.
GOLDEN GATE CANYON STATE PARK
Permits: $10, go on sale Nov. 13
Where to buy: Golden Gate Canyon State Park Visitor Center, 92 Crawford Gulch Road, 15 miles west of Golden; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, while supplies last, or with a credit card, 303-582-3707.
Tree-cutting: Dec. 2-3
Special notes: Only high-clearance vehicles or four-wheel-drive and chains in inclement weather allowed in selected backcountry areas. Other vehicles must stay in parking lot. You must have a valid state park pass or one can be purchased at the visitor center.
SULPHUR RANGER DISTRICT
Permits: $10, on sale through Dec. 23; maximum of five trees
Where to buy: Granby office, south of town just off U.S. 40, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; Elk Creek Cutting area, southwest of Fraser on Dec. 2-3, 9-10 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Winter Park Chamber of Commerce through Dec. 24, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; or mail check made out to USDA Forest Service, with number of permits and the license plate number of the vehicle used to transport the trees, to P.O. Box 10, Granby, 80446-0010. Call 970-295-6600 for more information.
Tree-cutting: Dec. 2-3, 9-10
Special notes: Chains or four-wheel drive required in cutting area; area open from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
CANYON LAKES RANGER DISTRICT
Permits: $10, beginning Nov. 27
Where to buy: District offices in Fort Collins at 2150 Centre Avenue Building E, Boulder at 2140 Yarmouth Ave, or Greeley at 660 O St.; or at the cutting area at Red Feather Lakes on weekends. Call 970-295-6600 for more information.
Tree-cutting: Dec. 2-10
Special notes: Chain or four-wheel-drive required; area open from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
PIKES PEAK RANGER DISTRICT
Permits: $10, Nov. 27-Dec. 13
Where to buy: District office at 601 S. Weber St., Colorado Springs from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; or on site at Woodland Park Middle School parking lot Dec. 2-3 and 9-10 from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Tree-cutting: Nov. 27-Dec. 13
Special notes: Cash, check or money order only.
SOUTH PARK RANGER DISTRICT
Permits: $10, Nov. 20-Dec. 22
Where to buy: District office in Fairplay beginning Nov. 20 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays or 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. Or mail check or money order to Christmas Trees, U.S. Forest Service, P.O. Box 219, Fairplay 80440
Tree-cutting: Nov. 20-Dec. 24
Special notes: Cutting allowed districtwide with some exceptions. Call 719-836-2031 for more information.
SOUTH PLATTE RANGER DISTRICT
Permits: $10, until 7,000 sold
Where to buy: District office at 19316 Goddard Ranch Court, Morrison, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Special notes: Tree-cutting is near road so four-wheel-drive or chains aren’t necessary depending on weather. Call 719-553-1400 for more information.
WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST
Permits: $10
Where to buy: all district offices
Special notes: Call 970-945-2521 for information and maps.
PAONIA RANGER DISTRICT
Permits: $8
Where to buy: District office at North Rio Grande Ave, Paonia; call 970-527-4131 for more information
