USFS Christmas Trees Permits Available

The Forest Service manages 193 million acres of public land. Their mission is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests.These lands provide 20 percent of the nation’s clean water supply and contribute to more than $13 billion to the economy through visitor spending. The Rocky Mountain Region manages 11 national forests throughout Colorado, and an additional six areas in Nebraska and most of South Dakota and Wyoming.

Did you know that you can cut down a US Forest Service tree for Christmas? All you have to do is call the Ranger office closest to where you would like to cut and ask about getting a Christmas tree cutting permit. Areas closest to Denver charge $10 per tree with a limit of 5 trees.

It is a holiday tradition for many in the area to select a tree from the regions finest public lands. In addition to experiencing Colorado’s beautiful forests, you are actively helping to manage the national forests. The Forest Service utilizes these permits to thin smaller diameter trees from concentrated areas.

“Trees from your national forests brighten homes across the country every year,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “We encourage people to be aware of changing weather conditions, dress accordingly and always follow safe cutting practices when looking for that perfect tree this holiday season.”

Click here for an interactive map of Colorado’s Forest Service lands.

For more information about tree cutting on USFS land, visit the USFS website.

Angelica Oman

Graduate Program Assistant