Permits go on sale Monday to cut your own Christmas tree in the San Isabel National Forest, while permits are already available in other forests across Colorado.

The Salida Ranger District of the San Isabel National Forest will be selling the permits through December 22 for $10 each, with a limit of two permits per family.

The permits can be purchased at the district’s office, located at 5575 Cleora Road in Salida, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Permits area also available by mail by sending a check or money order to US Forest Service, Attn: Christmas Tree Permit, 5575 Cleora Road, Salida, CO 81201.

While trees may be cut throughout most of the district, developed recreation sites and wilderness area are closed to cutting.

Only hand tools, such as axes and handsaws are allowed. Chainsaws cannot be used.

Starting November 27, $10 permits will also be available for the Pikes Peak Ranger District of the Pike National Forest. Those permits will be available through December 15, and can be purchased at the district office in Colorado Springs.

Permits are available now at the San Juan National Forest Service offices. Those permits are available for $8, and allow the holder to cut one tree up to 20 feet tall. They are valid through December 31. Participating offices include the Columbine Ranger District Office in Bayfield, Dolores Ranger District Office in Dolores, San Juan Public Lands Center in Durango, and Pagosa Ranger District office in Pagosa Springs. Most are open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Rio Grand National Forest is also making permits available for $8, with up to five allowed per household. Permits can per purchased at the Ranger District Office in Monte Vista. Trees must be at least 100 feet away from campgrounds, picnic areas or roads, and can be up to five inches in diameter at shoulder height.

Some forest service roads will close for the season December 1, and those roads that do remain open will not be plowed.