Forest service Christmas tree cutting dates announced

The Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest will once again allow Christmas tree cutting near Red Feather Lakes in northern Larimer County.

Cutting dates are Dec. 3-11. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The cutting area is located about an hour northwest of Fort Collins. To get there from Fort Collins, take U.S. Highway 287, 21 miles north to Livermore. At Livermore turn left onto County Road 74E (Red Feather Lakes Road). Follow Red Feather Lakes Road 16 miles and turn left onto County Road 68C (Boy Scout Road). Follow Boy Scout Road for 7 miles. Signs or U.S. Forest Service personnel will direct you to the area.

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Because of the ruggedness of the cutting area, vehicles are required to be four-wheel drive (not all wheel drive) or have chains or traction devices (not socks).

Permits must be obtained to cut the trees. Permits are $10 per tree and are limited to a maximum of five permits per person. During weekdays, permits are available at U.S. Forest Service offices in Fort Collins and Greeley. The Visitor Office in Fort Collins, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E, is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Tuesdays and Thursdays through Fridays. Call 970-295-6700 before arriving to ensure someone who can sell permits is available. Permit sales are cash only.

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The Pawnee National Grasslands office, 115 N. 2nd Avenue, Ault, is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Permit sales are cash only.

At the cutting area, permits will be available onsite for cash only on weekends.

Here are tips on what to bring to help make your cutting go more smoothly:

• Handsaw or ax (chainsaws are prohibited)
• Winter clothing
• Water
• Warm drinks and snacks
• Sled for pulling tree or young children
• Equipment for loading tree
• Vehicle safety kit that includes a shovel, blanket, first aid kit, etc