Date: November 16, 2007
Contact: Ken Smith, BLM - Public Affairs, (719) 269-8553
Mike Smith, U.S. Forest Service (719) 269-8704

Christmas Trees available from US Forest Service and BLM

CANON CITY, COLORADO… The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Royal Gorge Field Office and U.S. Forest Service, San Carlos Ranger District will be selling Christmas trees again this year. 

The BLM will have specific areas where trees can be cut while U.S. Forest Service permits will allow for cutting trees across National Forest lands within the San Carlos Ranger District. Cutting within Wilderness areas and/or administrative, sites such as campgrounds, will be restricted.  The use of chainsaws will be permitted on BLM public lands but not on U.S. Forest Service lands. 

Beginning November 19 through December 21 permits for BLM or Forest Service trees will be available at $10/tree with a limit of 2 trees per household.  Permits will be issued weekdays at - the BLM and Forest Service office in Canon City between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Visitor Center (719-539-7289) in Salida between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  Forest Service tree permits will also be available at Forest Service offices in Westcliffe, La Veta, and Pueblo during normal business hours.  The BLM/Forest Service Office in Canon City will be open until 5:30 pm on Friday, November 23 and 30.  Maps of designated BLM cutting areas are available at both the Canon City and Salida locations and can be picked up with the permit. 

Species available, depending on the cutting area, include: Douglas-Fir, Ponderosa Pine, Pinyon Pine, White Fir and Rocky Mountain juniper.  BLM sites are located near: Salida, Howard, Cotopaxi, Texas Creek, Canon City, Penrose and Gardner.  Permits must be purchased before trees can be cut.  Additional information regarding Christmas trees or other Special Forest Products are available from the BLM by contacting Ken Reed (Forester) at 719) 269-8576 and the Forest Service by contacting Mike Smith at (719) 269-8704.
                                 
Cutting your own Christmas tree can be fun, but be prepared for winter conditions, there can be more snow in the high country than in town.  Plan to do some walking through snow to get your tree and make sure everyone in your party has warm clothes and boots. Pack emergency supplies, carry the appropriate map and leave word with friends or relatives of your planned destination. Take a vehicle equipped for winter conditions with 4-wheel drive, snow tires or chains and start early, since winter days are shorter.  Remember, tree cutting is only permitted in specified areas for BLM permits and all National Forest lands within the San Carlos Ranger District.

-BLM-