The Pikes Peak Ranger District will be offering Christmas Tree Permits for sale from November 27 through December 13, 2006. The last day to cut a tree will be December 13. Permits may be purchased at the District Office at 601 South Weber Street in Colorado Springs. Office hours are 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday and 8 AM to 3 PM on Saturday December 2. Permits will also be sold on December 2, 3 and 9, 10. This location will be at the east parking lot of the Woodland Park Middle School on the corner of Rampart Range Road and Kelley Road in Woodland Park. Permits are $10.00 per tree, sorry no credit cards will be accepted. You may call 477-4221 or access our web site at www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/pp for additional information and a detailed map of the cutting area.
The cutting area is located just north and east of Woodland Park on the Rampart Range Road. The area is approximately 8,000 acres in size. Trees may be cut from November 27 through December 13. A map of the area is included with your permit. The trees are native and are not as full or formed as those sold at commerical lots. Trees are of various species including: Lodgepole pine, Ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and Engelmann spruce. The maximum size you are allowed to cut is 6 inches in diameter.
According to District Ranger Brent Botts, "tree cutters should not be too selective, but take satisfaction in removing these smaller trees, it promotes a healthy forest and reduces the fire danger. We are expecting to sell close to 6,000 permits".
You should allow at least 4 hours for your tree cutting adventure. Chain saws are not allowed; a hand saw or axe will be adequate. Cutters should be prepared for winter conditions, dress warmly. Four -wheel drive vehicles and chains are required on several roads. Pending weather conditions, additional restrictions may be implemented. Some roads may be plowed, however, road accessibility cannot be guaranteed. For your safety, we ask that you leave the cutting area before 3:30 PM.
Smokey Bear will be available on the weekends of December 2, 3 and 9, 10 and is eager to meet everyone. You and your family are welcome to pose with Smokey Bear for free photographs.
