Permits to cut down a holiday tree on public land are up for sale again. As KRCC’s Eliza Densmore reports, some are available now.
The Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service are selling $10 permits with a limit of two per household. Tree-cutting isn’t allowed in wilderness areas, wilderness study areas, or at developed campgrounds, but US Forest Service spokeswoman Barb Timock says the annual practice is aldo beneficial the environment.
"The trees in many areas are overstocked, you know, too crowded. So by cutting trees the public gets to have a great experience to come out and search or hunt for their Christmas tree and in response the areas become less crowded and healthier ultimately."
Timock also urges the public to be safe, dress warmly, and let someone know where you’re going. Residents can pick up permits at local BLM and US Forest Service offices. The Pikes Peak Ranger District Office is expected to start selling permits on December 2nd.
