Christmas tree permits will be available at San Juan National Forest offices, from local vendors, and online through Recreation.gov beginning tomorrow, Thursday, November 14.
Details about designated cutting areas, dates, and types of trees that may be cut can be found on the San Juan NF’s Christmas Tree Permit webpage on Recreation.gov. Please carefully read the need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will need to set up or log in to a Recreation.gov account if purchasing a Christmas Tree permit online.
Online permits are $8.00 plus a $2.50 fee to Recreation.gov.
Tree permits are available for $8.00 at the San Juan National Forest Supervisor’s Office and the Dolores, Columbine and Pagosa District Offices during normal business hours.
Permits may also be bought for $8.00 at Kroeger’s Ace Hardware, #8 Town Plaza, in Durango.
Recreation managers would like to remind permit holders in search of their perfect tree to please harvest responsibly. To correctly cut a Christmas tree, cut the trunk off as close to the ground as you can, leaving no more than a six-inch stump. Do not cut Ponderosa pine or Douglas fir trees. Please review the San Juan National Forest Christmas Tree cutting guidelines and rules thoroughly.
Christmas tree cutting is not allowed:
- In wilderness areas, recreation areas, or research natural areas
- Within 100 feet of any developed campground, county roads, and state or federal highways
- In tree plantation and active timber sales
- In specific locations identified in the permit, including La Plata Canyon near Durango.
Cutting a Christmas tree can improve forest health. Local forest health experts identify areas that benefit from thinning trees that tend to be the perfect size for Christmas trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide forage for wildlife.
For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874, or visit the forest website.
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