U.S. Forest Service managers of the woods west of Colorado’s Front Range cities say they’ll allow Christmas tree-cutting starting next week.
People who cut trees will be helping to manage their own national forests, according to Brian Ferebee, the regional forester, in an announcement issued Sunday.
For $10 per tree -– a maximum of five trees per person -– people can cut trees at six areas in the Pike, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Tree-cutters must obtain permits before entering the designated cutting areas.
Forest Service officials say thinning forests by removing smaller trees reduces competition among trees. They say this promotes healthier growing conditions in the remaining forest and reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
For more information on the tree-cutting that starts Dec. 3, agency officials said residents can call 303-239-3838 or check .
