Nov. 20, 2008

Contact: David Boyd, BLM, (970) 947-2832
  

BLM Christmas tree permits available in Grand Junction starting Monday 

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Permits for cutting Christmas trees on Bureau of Land Management lands within designated areas of the Grand Junction Field Office will be available beginning Monday Nov. 24.

Permits are $10 per tree and may be purchased at the Grand Junction Field Office, 2815 H Road, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Permits are also available seven days a week at the Glade Park Store, 16498 Ds Road.

Pinyon pine and junipers are the only types of trees that may be cut. More than one permit may be purchased at a time for family and friends, but the trees are for personal use and may not be resold.

All areas designated for cutting Christmas trees are within an hour’s drive of Grand Junction, depending on weather and road conditions. The designated areas are located at Dominguez/Farmers Canyon on the Uncompaghre Plateau, Gateway, Tom's Canyon and 5.7 Road in Glade Park, and Round Mountain near De Beque.

The areas with the best selection are Gateway, Farmers Canyon and Round Mountain. 

Directions, a map and a list of rules will be provided with the permit. All areas will require parking along the road, walking in, and carrying out the tree. Cross country motorized travel to retrieve a tree is not permitted.

BLM recommends bringing along a hand saw, rope or twine, extra food, water and blankets.

Many of the areas will have limited vehicle access depending on snow depths. Weather and road conditions can change quickly. Four-wheel drive vehicles equipped with tire chains, a shovel and emergency supplies are recommended for all cutting areas.

For more information, call the BLM information desk 970 244-3000 or Forester Jacob Martin 244-3081.

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