Village Life issued the following on Nov. 23
Christmas tree permits now available online
The Eldorado National Forest has begun selling Christmas tree permits online through Recreation.gov. The cost of each permit is $10 per tree with a $2.50 service charge for using the online permit system. Each household may purchase up to two tree permits with a credit or debit card. The $10 permit fee will be waived for any fourth-grade student who has an Every Kid Outdoors voucher.
“For many families, going out into the forest to find a tree for the holidays is a treasured tradition that has been carried on for generations,” said Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais. “For others, this is an opportunity to start a new tradition and discover the joy of bringing a tree home from your national forest and creating special memories.”
The Forest Service decided to offer permit sales on Recreation.gov as an added convenience for visitors, as well as an alternative to in-person transactions at offices that remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Permits are only available for purchase via Recreation.gov and will not be available at Forest Service offices. The last day to buy a Christmas Tree Permit will be Dec. 31.
To purchase a Christmas Tree permit visit recreation.gov/tree-permits/eldorado. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. Remember to print the permit at home before heading out on a tree cutting adventure. Use the maps provided on the forest website to avoid trespassing on private property when searching for a tree.
The trees that can be cut with a permit are a maximum of 6 inches at the base. As well as providing holiday cheer, cutting these smaller trees also improves forest health. Removing small-diameter trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas to provide forage for wildlife.
In addition to a free Christmas tree permit, fourth-graders who sign up for the Every Kid Outdoors voucher will have a waiver on entrance fees at national parks and other federal lands. Please note, however, this voucher does not waive other kinds of concessionaire campground and parking fees.
Additional information about Christmas tree permits can be found on the Eldorado National Forest website at fs.usda.gov/eldorado. Visitor information specialists are also available to answer questions 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday:
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