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/.

Garden of the Gods Park Receives More Than $360,000 to Support Visitor Experience

October 27, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

Garden of the Gods Park receives more than $360,000 to support visitor experience and public safety programs

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department received a donation earlier this month totaling $367,826. Funds will support the visitor experience, public safety programs and the next phase of restroom construction in the ever-popular Garden of the Gods Park.

The generous donation was made by the Garden of the Gods Foundation, with $50,000 from the Garden of the Gods Trading Post.

“We are extremely grateful for the wonderful collaboration between the Foundation, Trading Post, and the City,” said Karen Palus, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services director. “This is such a great example of community organizations working together toward a common goal, which in this case, is enhancing and protecting Garden of the Gods Park for the enjoyment of generations to come.”

The Garden of the Gods Foundation, a local 501(c)(3) organization created in 1994, works to improve the quality of Garden of the Gods Park by gathering resources and distributing grants that enhance and protect the park. It also owns and operates the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, which was built to give back to the park. Since its founding, the Foundation has granted more than $4 million to Garden of the Gods Park, a registered National Natural Landmark.

“The Garden of the Gods Foundation is proud of its long-term commitment to preserve and maintain the Garden of the Gods Park,” said Jan Martin, president of the Garden of the Gods Foundation. “Our annual contribution to the parks department to enhance and protect this park feels even more significant in 2020, and we thank the thousands of visitors who have continued to patronize the Visitor and Nature Center and the park itself despite the challenges of this year. Every purchase made in the visitor center supports the park.”

The Visitor & Nature Center was closed for several weeks in March and all of April and May due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It reopened to the public in June.

Article originally published at https://coloradosprings.gov/parks/article/news/garden-gods-park-receives-more-360000-support-visitor.