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2019 Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in the Pikes Peak Forest District for $10

Yep, you can go in the forest and cut your own Christmas tree for 10 bucks. There ARE some rules; like you need a permit, and it is a national forest, so you can't use a chain saw, and you need to take care not to damage the place, but here are the rules:

Permit Sales: The Pikes Peak Ranger District will be offering Christmas tree permits from December 2nd through December 18th at the District Office from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. There is now a centralized place online to buy a Christmas tree permit in a national forest in any state that has a forest that allows it; see this page on Recreation.gov.

Woodland Park: Permits will be available on the weekend days of 12/7, 12/8, 12/14 and 12/15 at the Woodland Park Work Center, located at 1408 Rampart Range Road from 8am to 3pm. (Cash and Check Only on Weekends).

Cost: Permits are $20.00 per tree, with a limit of 5 permits per person. No credit cards accepted on the weekend at the Woodland Park Work Center. All sales are final; No refunds will be given.

Cutting Dates: Trees may be cut any time after purchase of permit through December 18th. REMEMBER TO ATTACH THE PERMIT TAG TO YOUR TREE AS YOU LOAD IT INTO YOUR VEHICLE. Be sure it is clearly visable as you leave the area.

Tree Varieties: Trees are of various species including:

  • Douglas Fir,
  • Lodgepole pine,
  • Ponderosa pine,
  • Engelmann spruce, and
  • Limber pine.

The trees are native and are not as full (or formed as well) as trees grown on a plantation or those found in commercial lots. Be aware that many Douglas Fir trees have been damaged by Western Spruce Budworm.

Cutting rules: Cut trees no greater than 6 inches in diameter and as close to the ground as possible. Remove the entire tree, PLEASE do not cut just the top of the trees.

Where you may cut: Trees may be cut on National Forest lands just Northeast of Woodland Park along the Rampart Range Road, #300 and Northwest of Woodland Park on Forest Service Road 357. Please get a map when you purchase your permit. Signs will be posted.

Vehicles: Four-wheel drive vehicles or chains are required. Road accessibility will not be guaranteed. North end roads 325, 237, 348, 351, require 4-wheel drive and chains. When parking, you may only pull one vehicle length off the main road.

Prohibited: Chainsaws are not permitted; a handsaw will be adequate. The permittee is responsible for knowing public land boundaries. The area will be well signed.

Recommended: Cutters need to be prepared for winter weather. Allow up to four hours for your trip.

Other recommendations:

  • Dress warmly for winter weather
  • Have a full tank of gas
  • Bring food, extra water, a shovel, a blanket, a first-aid kit and a warm drink
  • Leave pets at home or have them on a leash at all times
  • Take a rope and tarp to pack your tree home

Forest health is important, by removing these smaller trees you are contributing to the overall well being of the forest and reducing fire danger.

Warning:

Persons cutting or removing trees from the National Forest without a valid permit are subject to a fine of up to $5000 and/or 6 months imprisonment!

More information:

Please call our District Office at 719-636-1602 for more info.

Holiday Tree Information for the Pikes Peak Ranger District

There is now a centralized place online to buy a Christmas tree permit in a national forest in any state that has a forest that allows it; see this page on Recreation.gov.

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