Roosevelt National Forest's popular Christmas tree cutting is back, but with changes

Last year, the Cameron Peak Fire wiped out Christmas tree cutting on the Roosevelt National Forest.

The nearly 209,000-acre wildfire burned portions of the cutting area on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District south of Red Feather Lakes and made roads impassable and hazardous.

This year, the popular tree cutting program is back — but with significant changes.

In a typical year, the program results in 3,000 to 4,000 trees being cut, which provides some fire mitigation help, according to the Canyon Lakes Ranger District.

Here's what to know about how it will work this year

How do I get a Christmas tree cutting permit?

Permits are on sale for the Canyon Lakes Ranger District west of Fort Collins Nov. 26 through Jan. 8. They cost $20 per tree.

A big change this year is that permits will not be available at the Canyon Lakes Ranger District office. The only way to purchase a ticket is in advance online at www.recreation.gov/tree-permits.

It is advised you print your receipt in case you are checked.

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Where can you cut down a Christmas tree?

This gets tricky because you must review the cutting area map.

The map and other details about cutting can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/main/arp/passes-permits/forestproducts.

Permit holders are responsible for understanding where it is legal to cut a tree and should spend some time reviewing the information and maps.

It is advised to download forest maps onto your smartphone through the Avenza Maps app. The app works even when there isn’t cell service and will help ensure you don’t cut trees on private property or in prohibited areas.

In Larimer County, permit holders can visit an information station at West Lake Picnic Area near Red Feather Lakes from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12.

Rangers will offer suggestions on where to cut and look for trees. Cutting areas open include near Joe Wright Reservoir (off of Colorado Highway 14), Swamp Creek (walk-in only with access from Manhattan Road) and forest areas along Manhattan Road.

In Grand County, Christmas tree cutting is allowed through much of the Arapaho National Forest’s Sulphur Ranger District now through Jan. 6.

The district will host a staffed and plowed cutting area at Elk Creek near Fraser and Winter Park from Dec. 4-12. Attendees are encouraged to come during weekdays and are required to have a permit prior to arriving at the entrance station.

Many roads are closed to motor vehicles, but permit holders can walk in or use snowmobiles or skis to access most areas.

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Another option: Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest Christmas tree cutting

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest in southern Wyoming is also offering Christmas tree cutting.

Permits are $10 (limit five per household) for personal use only and are good through the end of the year.

For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbr/passes-permits/forestproducts. 

Reporter Miles Blumhardt looks for stories that impact your life. Be it news, outdoors, sports — you name it, he wants to report it. Have a story idea? Contact him at milesblumhardt@coloradoan.com or on Twitter @MilesBlumhardt. Support his work and that of other Coloradoan journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.