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Want to Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree?

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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.

Local Update – El Paso County Enacting Stricter COVID-19 Guidelines

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From KRDO:  El Paso County Commissioner Chairman Mark Waller says the county will move to Safer At Home Level 2 restrictions on Nov. 4 due to rising COVID-19 rates.

Under Safer at Home Level 2 guidelines, offices must move to 50% capacity, indoor events are capped at 100 people, outdoor events are capped at 175 people, retail stores must operate at 50% capacity, restaurants must operate at 50% capacity or 50 people (or 100 with calculator) with six feet between parties.

All schools can be in-person, hybrid, or remote as appropriate under Level 2.

Waller tells KRDO that Gov. Jared Polis’ office made the decision to increase the coronavirus restriction level in El Paso County.

The move comes as El Paso County’s two-week coronavirus incidence rate has climbed over 270 per 100,000. According to state guidelines, that number should put the county at Level 3 restrictions, however, the state made the decision to only bump the county up from Level 1 to Level 2.

Waller says the restrictions take effect on Nov. 4 so that it doesn’t affect Election Day.

Starting in early October, the number of COVID-19 cases in El Paso County began to spike up, with two of the highest daily-count days since the pandemic started happening this month. County officials had said they were meeting with state health officials to discuss mitigation efforts, but Waller expressed displeasure with the lack of time given to come up with a new plan.

Waller also argues the restrictions on businesses likely won’t make a difference, because — according to scientists — the spike is largely due to house parties where people aren’t wearing a mask or social distancing.

“We want to have the opportunity and the ability to try to figure out where this is coming from so then we can take appropriate actions, because this shot in the dark kind of solution that we’re using right now just isn’t what we need moving forward,” Commissioner Waller explained.

However, public health officials insist we need to make do with the restrictions we can implement, and encourage people to follow guidelines at home, too.

“It is the cumulative effect of all of our individual actions that will have the impact that we need,” said Medical Director Dr. Robin Johnson.

 

Article originally published at https://krdo.com/news/top-stories/2020/10/30/el-paso-county-enacting-stricter-covid-19-guidelines-after-election/.

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