The iconic holiday tradition of families trekking through the Colorado forests in search of the perfect Christmas tree this year comes with an extra safety warning: beware of falling trees.
Winds upward of 100 mph toppled an uncalculated number of healthy, mature trees in the Arapaho and Roosevelt national forests and Rocky Mountain National Park on Monday, closing roads, damaging property and causing the U.S. Forest Service to warn that more could come down in windy weather.
Forest managers will keep a close eye on the wind and the weather, and could close tree- cutting areas if conditions are too dangerous during holiday tree cutting scheduled through December.
“It’s really based on the weather. The conditions have changed a bit with the dead trees,” Forest Service spokesman John Bustos said. “The expectation is that we’ll just proceed as normal, but if we get more wind activity, it may cause us to close certain areas or move them.”
The Forest Service allows holiday tree cutting to thin trees and improve forest health.
“The winds change,” Bustos said. “It is something you need to be prepared for no matter what.”
Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch in Red Feather Lakes allows public Christmas- tree cutting Saturday through Christmas Eve.
“We’re constantly looking at what trees could be a fall hazard. We’re probably more aware then we’ve ever been, but we’ve been in that sort of protocol for a couple of years now,” said Linda Weixelman, the resort’s general manager.
The cautions, however, are not meant to deter people from participating in this seasonal tradition.
In many ways, the tree-cutting sponsors depend on prepared and aware patrons to help ensure the forest’s future.
“For us, Christmas-tree cutting is a way to create a healthier forest,” Weixelman said.
Kristen Leigh Painter: 303-954-1638 or kpainter@denverpost.com
Holiday tree cutting
You can cut your own tree in certain U.S. Forest ranger districts.
Here’s how it works: A permit is required — $10 per tree, a maximum of five permits per person. Permits can be purchased at Forest Service offices. Trees must be 6 inches or less in diameter and must be cut 6 or fewer inches from the ground. Chainsaws are prohibited.
Here are a few places to cut:
Sulphur Ranger District in Grand County, through Jan. 6. Most roads are closed to motor vehicles, but snowmobiles or skis may be used.
Elk Creek Cutting Area, Dec. 3-11. Four-wheel drive or chains required. Snowmobiles, motorcycles and ATVs are prohibited.
Canyon Lakes Ranger District west of Fort Collins, Dec. 3-11. Four-wheel drive or chains required. Snowmobiles, motorcycles and ATVs are prohibited.
Info: For more Forest Service options and information about where to purchase permits, visit and click on the forest closest to you.
