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Tree Hunting

Tips For Harvesting Your Own Holiday Tree in White River National Forest

Know Before You Go

GRAB A PERMIT

  • Christmas tree permits are available now. One permit is required for every tree you plan to cut, and you’re allowed to obtain up to five per household at a cost of $10 each. These permits can be purchased in-person at official local vendors, curbside at White River National Forest (WRNF) offices, or online at Recreation.gov. Also, this year the Every Kid in A Park program is offering one free Christmas tree permit to any 4th grade student with a valid Interagency Pass. Check EveryKidInAPark.gov for details.

CHOOSE WISELY

  • Tree hunters may not harvest just any tree, in any spot. Cutting the Colorado Blue Spruce (our state tree) is highly discouraged, as is the removal of single trees in open clearings. Pick a tree no more than 15 feet in height that’s growing within a cluster of other conifers, away from the side of the road. And remember: Sawing off the top of an older tree is strictly prohibited! To plan ahead and select an appropriate location, visit the WRNF website for maps and a list of permitted areas.

CARE FOR YOUR TREE

  • Once you’ve cut your tree, be sure to attach your permit to its base before transporting out of the forest. At home, remove an inch from the trunk and place in water immediately. To keep the tree fresh through Christmas, refill its water supply frequently and mist its needles each morning to prevent drying. After the holidays, don’t dump your tree at the landfill—leave it at one of the valley’s drop-off stations. (Search “Christmas tree” in EverGreen ZeroWaste’s online recycling guide at EverGreenZeroWaste.com/Recycle-Guide to find the station nearest you.)

LEARN MORE

  • Visit FS.USDA.gov/WhiteRiver to get complete details about tree permits, or call 970.945.2521.

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