The Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands are now selling Christmas tree permits for the upcoming holiday season. Christmas tree permits can conveniently be purchased online through Recreation.gov. An additional $2.50 will be charged for all online purchases. Permits for the Leadville, Pikes Peak, Salida, San Carlos, South Park and South Platte Ranger Districts are currently on sale online and at each district office. Sales for the Pikes Peak Ranger District are available at the district office between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The cost is $10 per tree for the San Carlos, Salida, and Leadville Ranger Districts, and $20 per tree for the South Park, South Platte and Pikes Peak Ranger Districts. The Recreation.gov site contains maps of designated cutting areas as well as tips for selecting and cutting trees. Permitted dates and areas vary so it is important to carefully read all the information prior to purchasing.

As part of the national Every Kid Outdoors initiative, all fourth graders are eligible to receive one complimentary Christmas tree permit from their local national forest. For students to receive a free tree permit, they must present a valid paper voucher printed from the Every Kid Outdoors website. For further information, visit https://everykidoutdoors.gov/ and follow instructions to obtain and print the paper voucher.  

When venturing out to cut a Christmas tree in the forest, bring a printed copy of the permit along with a paper map as cell service may be spotty or unavailable. Keep in mind that Forest Service roads are generally not plowed and some roads close seasonally. Handsaws and axes are the only tools allowed - chainsaws are prohibited.

Dress in warm layers, bring a rope to secure the tree to the vehicle and enjoy the tradition. Visit www.fs.usda.go/main/psicc/passes-permits.