MONTE VISTA — Christmas tree permits for the Rio Grande National Forest are now available to purchase both in-person and online through Recreation.gov for this holiday season.

There are three methods to purchase the required permit before you harvest your Christmas tree.

• Visit one of our participating vendors listed the RGNF Christmas Tree page. These vendors make it convenient to obtain a permit, due to their extended business hours.
• Visit one of our forest offices in Del Norte, La Jara, Monte Vista and Saguache. Some offices have limited, and varied hours and we highly recommend calling before your visit.
• Visit recreation.gov and follow the easy steps to create an account and make your purchase. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information before purchasing the permit. Please note that you must be able to print a paper copy of the permit to have with you when cutting your tree.

“Cutting a Christmas tree on a National Forest has been a treasured tradition for many Coloradans,” said Dan Dallas, Forest Supervisor for the Rio Grande. “It gives us much pleasure to play our small role in these family traditions. The Rio Grande National Forest is a great place to cut your own tree.” With the mild early winter, this year may prove to offer access to more locations than normal.

Fourth-graders may get a free Christmas tree permit when they present a valid Every Kid Outdoors pass. These passes may be obtained at https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm. The free permit may only be obtained online and at Rio Grande National Forest offices. The participating fourth-grader must be present.

For information on the Rio Grande National Forest, call 719-852-5941, visit the forest website, or follow on Facebook or Twitter.