Headlines:
- Law Enforcement Response To Amendment 64 Varies
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- Christmas Tree Harvesting Permits Available (click on 'read more' for details)
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Christmas Tree Permits Available
This information provided in a press release from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest.
MONTROSE, Colo. – Christmas tree permits offered by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management are now on sale. The permits allow the public to cut a Christmas tree for personal use on National Forest and BLM lands within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests and the Uncompahgre, Grand Junction and Gunnison Field Offices of the BLM.
Tree cutters must have a valid permit with them while cutting a tree. A BLM permit is valid for trees located on BLM lands only, just as a Forest Service permit is only valid for trees located on National Forest System lands. Permit costs range from $8 to $10 (per tree) depending on which BLM or Forest Service office issues the permit and where one plans to cut their tree. Permits come with information explaining regulations and helpful tips. The National Forest and BLM offices also sell maps and offer free advice on the best areas for tree harvesting, species availability and any restrictions of note. No cutting is permitted in campgrounds or other recreation/facility sites, Wilderness and/or near lakes, streams or in wetland areas.
Permits are on sale in:
COLLBRAN
The Creamery, 2177 Rodeo Road: 970.487.3511
Valley Ranch, 54454 US Hwy. 330: 970.487.3000
CRESTED BUTTE
Chamber of Commerce, 601 Elk Ave.: 970.349.6438
DELTA
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, 2250 Highway 50: 970.874.6717
GRAND JUCTION
Grand Valley District, 2777 Crossroads Blvd, Suite 1: 970.242.8211
Grand Junction BLM Field Office: 970.247.4874
GUNNISON
Gunnison Ranger District, 216 N. Colorado: 970.641.0471
Gunnison Field Office, 650 South 11th Street: 970.642.4940
MESA
Ol’ Grand Mesa Corner Store, Hwy. 65: 970.268.5484
MONTROSE PUBLIC LANDS CENTER (BLM & FS)
2465 S. Townsend Ave. 970.240.5300
NORWOOD
Norwood Ranger District, 1150 Forest 970.327.4261
PAONIA
Paonia Ranger District, North Rio Grande Avenue 970.527.4131
The permits expire December 31, 2012.
Please plan ahead and be prepared for winter conditions and keep vehicles on the road (or appropriate parking area). Some walking through snow may be necessary to get your tree; wear warm clothes and boots. Pack emergency supplies, carry the appropriate map and leave word with friends or relatives of your planned destination. Vehicles equipped for winter conditions with 4-wheel drive, snow tires or chains are encouraged. Start early, since winter days are shorter. Many National Forest and BLM roads are not plowed for snow removal, and even if backcountry roads are not blocked by snow, dangerous ice conditions may exist.
Additional information can be obtained by calling the BLM or Forest Service Office where you plan to purchase your permit and on the following websites:
GMUG NF: http://www.fs.usda.gov/gmug - Quick Links to “Christmas Tree Cutting Permits”
Uncompahgre BLM Field Office: http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ufo.html.
Grand Junction Field Office: http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gjfo/christmas_tree_permits.html