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Christmas tree permits offered by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management are now on sale. The permits allow the public to cut a Christmas tree for personal use on National Forest and BLM lands within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests and the Uncompahgre, Grand Junction and Gunnison Field Offices of the BLM.

Tree cutters must have a valid permit with them while cutting a tree. A BLM permit is valid for trees located on BLM lands only, just as a Forest Service permit is only valid for trees located on national forest system lands. Permit costs range from $8 to $10 (per tree) depending on which BLM or Forest Service office issues the permit and where one plans to cut their tree. Permits come with information explaining regulations and helpful tips. The Forest Service and BLM offices also sell maps and offer free advice on the best areas for tree harvesting, species availability and any restrictions of note. No cutting is permitted in campgrounds or other recreation/facility sites, wilderness and/or near lakes, streams or in wetland areas.

Permits are on sale in Delta at 2250 Highway 50 (phone 874-6717), in Paonia at the ranger district's office on North Rio Grand Avenue (phone 527-4131) or in Montrose at 2465 S. Townsend Avenue (phone 240-5300).

Permits are also available in Collbran, Crested Butte, Grand Junction, Gunnison, Mesa and Norwood.

Please plan ahead and be prepared for winter conditions and keep vehicles on the road (or appropriate parking area). Vehicles equipped for winter conditions with 4-wheel drive, snow tires or chains are encouraged.

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