Christmas tree permits offered by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management are now on sale in western Colorado. The permits allow the public to cut a Christmas tree for personal use on National Forest and BLM lands.

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.

Please plan ahead and be prepared for winter conditions and keep vehicles on the road (or appropriate parking area).Christmas tree cutting is permitted on most BLM-administered lands within the Colorado River Valley Field Office in Eagle, Garfield, Mesa and Pitkin counties with the following exceptions: wilderness study areas, Deep Creek along Coffee Pot Road, Thompson Creek Natural Area, and Garfield Creek south of New Castle. A map of these areas is available with the cutting permit.

For more information about Christmas tree cutting in this field office, call (970) 876-9000.

Permits for cutting Christmas trees on National Forest lands will be available at Forest Service offices. For more information White River National Forest permits, call (970) 945-2521.

Permits are on sale in:

• Eagle — Holy Cross Ranger District, 125 West 5th Street, 970-328-6388

• Minturn — Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District, 24747 US Highway 24, 970-827-5715