With Thanksgiving and Black Friday behind them, many Coloradoans will head to the woods this weekend as the U.S. Forest Service opens several locations to cut Christmas trees.
Four to the Front Range provide permit-holders some prime picking on national forest land near northwest of Fort Collins, near Winter Park, the northwest of Colorado Springs and the south of Buffalo Creek.
A person who buys a permit from the U.S. Forest Service can cut and carry out up to five trees for $10 apiece.
For more information about obtaining a permit call the Canyon Lakes Ranger District at 970-295-6700, the Sulphur Ranger District at 970-887-4100, the Pikes Peak Ranger District at 719-636-1602 or the South Platte Ranger District at 303-275-5610.
Each area allows taking trees with a trunk up to 6 inches in diameter, cut level with the ground. Four-wheel drive vehicles or chains are recommended. Chainsaws, pets and recreational vehicles, such as snowmobiles and four-wheelers, are banned.
Rules vary slightly by location, so those planning to head out should consult the rules online first.
Those who violate terms of their permits can be fined up to $5,000.and six months in jail.
Cutters are encouraged to allow four hours for the trip, and pack warm clothes, food and water.
Colorado’s forests will yield many options this year: lodgepole, limber and ponderosa pines, as well as Engelmann spruce and Douglas fir, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The agency said last week that areas burned by the wildfires are not included in this year’s program. Colorado’s national forests yield about 5,000 trees a year, while helping thin the forest and maintain its health, the agency says.
A handful of in Colorado also are open this weekend for those who are willing to pay more for a little more convenience and help..
