MONTROSE – Christmas tree permits from the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management go on sale in western Colorado go on sale on Monday, Nov. 21.

Each permit allows its holder to cut down one Christmas tree for personal use on National Forest and BLM lands.  

Tree cutters must have a valid permit with them.  The BLM permit is valid for trees located on BLM lands only, and the Forest Service permit is valid only for trees located on National Forest System lands.

Permit costs range from $8 to $10, per tree. No cutting is permitted in campgrounds or other recreation/facility sites, Wilderness and/or near lakes, streams or in wetland areas.

The permits come with information explaining regulations and helpful tips.  The National Forest and BLM offices also sell maps and offer free advice on the best areas for tree harvesting, species availability and any restrictions of note. 

Permits are on sale in: Montrose, Montrose Public Lands Center, 2465 S. Townsend Ave.; Norwood, Norwood Ranger District, 1150 Forest; Cortez, at City Market, Cortez, 508 E. Main; Delta, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, 2250 Highway 50;

Dolores, at the Dolores Public Lands Office, 29211 Highway 184 and at Dolores Food Market - 400 Railroad Ave.; Durango, at the San Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware, #8 Town Plaza; Grand Junction, at Grand Valley District, 2777 Crossroads Blvd, Suite 1 and at the Grand Junction BLM Field Office, 2815 H Road; Mancos, Cox Conoco, 201 E. Railroad Ave.; and elsewhere on the Western Slope. For more information, call the Montrose Interagency Information Desk at 970-240-5300.

Please plan ahead and be prepared for winter conditions and keep vehicles on the road (or appropriate parking area).  Some walking through snow may be necessary to get your tree; wear warm clothes and boots.  Pack emergency supplies, carry the appropriate map and leave word with friends or relatives of your planned destination.  Vehicles equipped for winter conditions with 4-wheel drive, snow tires or chains are encouraged. Start early, since winter days are shorter. Many National Forest and BLM roads are not plowed for snow removal, and even if backcountry roads are not blocked by snow, dangerous ice conditions may exist.