Christmas Tree cutting starts Dec. 3

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Two national forest areas in the Pikes Peak region will be open for Christmas Tree cutting from December 3 to December 11.

A $10 permit is required. That must be purchased at a Forest Service office before going into the forest.

Rampart Range Road near Pikes Peak:
Permits available - Pikes Peak Ranger Station, 601 South Weber Street in Colorado Springs, CO; at the east parking lot of Woodland Park Middle School only on the weekends during the cutting period
Required: Permit to cut a tree; tire chains or a four-wheel drive vehicle

South Park area near Fairplay:
Permits are available - South Park Ranger Station at 320 South Highway 285 in Fairplay or by mail with a check or money order prior to tree cutting
Required: Permit to cut a tree
Recommended: Tire chains or a 4-wheel drive vehicle

For safety reasons, all tree cutting sites entry hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. during the cutting dates.

Rules

• Cut a tree with trunk size around 6 inches in diameter (strictly enforced in some areas - some local exceptions may apply)
• Bring a handsaw to cut trees - no chainsaws allowed
• Use of chainsaws, snowmobiles, ATVs, other off-road vehicles and cutting trees marked with blue paint are strictly PROHIBITED
• Cut trees within 6 inches of the ground and below all live limbs-take the whole tree
• All pets must be on a leash and under master control
• No trespassing on private property
• Be sure to keep Christmas tree in water when displayed or stored at home