Want to Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree?

December 2, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

National Forests in Colorado now have Christmas Tree Permits available through Recreation.gov.

Whether you’re carrying on a beloved family tradition or creating a new one, make memories that will last a lifetime and support the health of forests across the Centennial State this holiday season.

What are you waiting for! Cue the holiday tunes, pour yourself some cocoa, find a forest near you, and get your Christmas Tree Permit today!

🎄 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Please follow all the rules of the national forest where you purchase your permit. Some have very specific instructions for the size of tree you can cut down, and the areas where you can find a tree.
You won’t find a perfectly manicured tree like you would at a Christmas tree lot. Be prepared for more of a “Charlie Brown” style tree.
Be aware that you can only be on National Forest land. It can sometimes be difficult to know where National Forest ends and private property begins.
Due to the recent mountain pine beetle epidemic, before you head into the forest to cut your Christmas tree, look up – look down – look around! Avoid standing dead trees. Stay out of recently burned areas. Be aware that trees can fall at any time and use extra caution on windy days.

🎄 PLAN YOUR TRIP

Permits are only available through recreation.gov or in-person through local vendors. (See below for links to purchase permits).
Cell service may be spotty or unavailable. Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect you back.
Check the latest weather conditions, forest warnings, and road closures before you leave on your trip.
Bring a map with you. Don’t rely on GPS because it may not be up-to-date with forest service roads.
Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow, and winds.
Roads may not be plowed. Four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive are recommended. Carry tire chains, a shovel, and a tow chain.
Be sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas.
Bring a spare key and give it to someone else in your party. Don’t get locked out of your car!
Bring plenty of food and water with you as well as an overnight survival kit in case you become stranded.
Park in areas so that traffic can safely pass, and do not block gates.
Start your day early. Be sure to find your tree and leave the woods before dark. Plan to return to your vehicle by 3:00 pm.
We don’t recommend bringing your pets but, if you do, they must be on a leash.
Bring masks for everyone in your party and be sure to wear them if you may be within 6 feet of another group.

🎄 GET A PERMIT

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests : Christmas tree permits are on sale now through January 6, 2021, for the Sulphur Ranger District only.

White River National Forest (Between Eagle and Glenwood Springs): Unlimited Permits, available now

Pike and San Isabel National Forest

South Platte Ranger District (closest to Denver): Dated permits required 10/15-12/31, some permits still available (these go quick and start early!)
Pikes Peak Ranger District (closest to Colorado Springs): Permits available 11/27-12/16
South Park Ranger District (near Fairplay): Unlimited permits, most of the district open for cutting. Permits available 10/15-12/31
Leadville Ranger District (near Leadville): Permits available 11/20 – 12/31.
The Salida Ranger District is located in the heart of Colorado along the Continental Divide surrounding the communities of Salida and Buena Vista. Permits available 11/20 – 12/31.
The San Carlos Ranger District includes the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, the Wet Mountains and the Spanish Peaks. Permits available 11/20 – 12/31.

🎄 FREE TREES FOR 4TH GRADERS

The Forest Service is offering fourth grade students with an “Every Kid Outdoors” pass or voucher a free Christmas tree cutting permit. To learn more about the “Every Kid Outdoors” program or to obtain a voucher, please visit www.everykidoutdoors.gov for more information.

Article originally published at https://coloradosprings.macaronikid.com/articles/5fbe83e1b4a10574d581e4ed/want-to-cut-down-your-own-tree?-christmas-tree-permits-available-now.

Colorado Ski Season 2020-2021

November 18, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

Colorado Ski Season: Guide on when resorts open, COVID-19 rules

The 2020-21 Colorado ski and snowboard season is here. And like most things this year, it will look a little different due to COVID-19.

The good news is that most of the time when skiing or snowboarding — coronavirus pandemic or not — you’re probably already wearing a mask. The bad news is, well, Colorado ski season will not only look different in general, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic — it’ll also look different from resort to resort.

While there’s currently no statewide mandate on how to keep people safe during ski season, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has put out guidance for ski areas to follow, in order to reopen. Using that guidance, each ski area (with assistance from their local health agency) will develop their own COVID-19 rules for visitors.

Those plans must be approved by the state before the mountain can reopen to the public. And if a ski area is part of a family of resorts (like Vail Resorts) or a pass provider (like Epic Pass), there may be even more specific rules that apply. When in doubt, check the ski area website or give them a call if you can’t find answers online.

So, what should you consider before going skiing in Colorado this year?

Figure out if you need a reservation first. Some ski areas are requiring them, some aren’t — and some are giving first priority to pass holders. Skiing multiple mountains in one day? You’ll need to check what the requirements on each mountain are.
Buy your ticket in advance. Even if the resort may plan to have onsite lift ticket purchasing available, those plans could quickly change based on COVID-19 restrictions in that county, or due to exposure. Buying your ticket online or over the phone is a safer bet.
Check out your parking and shuttle options. The Winter Park Ski Train is out of the question this year, and the Snowstang buses that serve Arapahoe Basin, Loveland and Steamboat Springs may not be operating either. Also — shuttles from parking lots may require extra time due to reduced passenger capacity and social distancing measures.
Pack a lunch. Check the ski area’s website to see what dining options are available. Capacity at cafeterias will likely be reduced, full bar service may not be available and some on-mountain dining areas may be closed. If you really need that bowl of chili instead of packing a sandwich, bring a credit card — many ski areas have resorted to cashless transactions.
Know that you may not be able to ride the chair lift or gondola with your group. Whether you can all ride together in the same chairlift or gondola will depend on the rules of each resort. Make a plan ahead of time with your group to stay in touch.
Mentally prepare for this year to be different. Physical distancing measures, face coverings, temperature checks, reduced Après-ski gatherings and more are all on the table. Measures will vary from resort to resort.

Colorado Ski Area And Resort Opening Dates For 2020-2021

All the dates listed are subject to change.

Article originally published at https://www.cpr.org/2020/11/11/colorado-ski-area-opening-day-coronavirus/.

November is Military Family Month

November 11, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

Military Family Month dedicates November to military families around the world. The observance recognizes the commitment and dedication these families make to their service members. Their sacrifices make it possible for our military to remain organized and strong.

While servicemen and women are actively serving, deployed or training, their families provide a vital foundation at home that allows confidence in the field. Spouses and children are often separated from their service members for long periods of time and over great distances. Communication can be patchy and under stressful conditions. And they frequently move, uprooting children and jobs. But, military families are adaptable.

During November, the country honors the military families who make the U.S. Armed Forces strong.

HOW TO OBSERVE #MilitaryFamilyMonth

Thank a veteran, active duty, reserve or national guard service member or family member for their service by giving back. Ask your military families how you can support them. Many will not ask when they need it. In many cases, through deployments or other circumstances, military families will band together. But even then that may not be enough.

Adopt a military family for the holidays. You can also sponsor a Food Basket or Toys for junior enlisted military families through the ASYMCA’s Operation Holiday Joy.
Offer to run errands for military spouses who may have their hands full with their children or even their pets.
Volunteer or donate services to military organizations.
Read upcoming legislation and learn how it impacts our military, veterans, and their families. Then write and call your legislators.
Families, participate in events all month long in your honor. Many organizations will be hosting dinners, webinars, educational opportunities, and more.
Donate a Thanksgiving gift to junior-enlisted members and their families through the USO-Metro’s Turkeys for Troops!
Create a Spouse or Service Member Care Package with items that would help either ease stress during a deployment.
Adopt-a-Soldier for the Holidays
Create a spouse care package for them to enjoy and help reduce stress during training, deployment, and PCS moves and relocations.
Thank an Active-Duty Member, Veteran, Military Spouse, or Military Child for their service.
Visit war memorials with your family to teach your children the value of service.
Fly the U.S. Flag.
Contact your nearest military base Morale, Welfare, And Recreation (MWR) office to see what events or activities might be planned on-post honoring families including special events, contests, or discounts for local businesses or attractions. Sometimes just showing up for an event or ceremony creates a stronger bond in the community.
Volunteer at a local chapter of a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) such as the Red Cross, AmVets, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Legion, etc.
Donate professional services to military communities. Are you a professional counselor, psychologist, social worker, therapist, child care professional, or community organizer? Private and chartered organizations serving military families may need your expertise to make an impact in military communities whether active duty, Guard, Reserve, retirees, etc.
Contact your nearest chapter of the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society, Army Emergency Relief, or Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, to volunteer or participate in scheduled events to support their efforts. The winter months are prime fundraising and support time for these societies as they gear up to assist military families over the holiday season. The annual Toys For Tots drives and similar efforts held by these agencies are always in need of volunteer help.
Visit a veteran receiving care in a VA hospital or nursing home.
Offer a military neighbor a bit of respite with volunteer childcare to get errands accomplished or to even enjoy a few hours to recharge.
See someone in uniform? Thank them for their service or surprise them with a free coffee, dessert or drink if they are in line behind you.
Make a donation or volunteer with a military assistance organization like the Armed Services YMCA.

Use #MilitaryFamilyMonth to post on social media.

MILITARY FAMILY MONTH HISTORY

The Armed Services YMCA along with the U.S. Government established Military Family Month in 1996 by expanding Military Family Week. Each year, the President declares the month through a signed proclamation.

Article originally published at https://nationaldaycalendar.com/military-family-month-november/. With excerpts from https://militarybenefits.info/military-family-month/.