SFNF permits to cut own Christmas tree go on sale Monday. Courtesy photoSFNF News:
SANTA FE ― Permits to cut your own Christmas tree on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) go on sale Monday, Nov. 25, at Forest Headquarters in Santa Fe and at all Ranger District offices.
As part of the “Every Kid Outdoors” initiative, every fourth grader is eligible for a free holiday tree permit. In order to redeem the free permit, the student must present a valid Every Kid Outdoors pass, downloadable at www.everykidoutdoors.gov.
Accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18, fourth graders should bring the printed pass to the nearest SFNF office to pick up the permit. The free permits can only be fulfilled at a Santa Fe National Forest office.
The SFNF’s nonrefundable Christmas tree permits are for personal use only and may be purchased for $10 by check, credit/debit card or cash through Dec. 24, 2019. Permit purchasers will receive a tree tag, map and guidelines for harvesting a tree.
The public may purchase Christmas tree permits at all Santa Fe National Forest offices Monday through Friday during business hours. The offices will be closed on Nov. 28 for Thanksgiving Day. This year, the Coyote, Cuba, Pecos and Las Vegas offices also will hold Saturday hours 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21.
Permits also are available at the Los Alamos Historical Museum Sunday through Monday and at REI in Santa Fe Saturdays only (excluding Dec. 7).
One tag is valid for a tree up to five inches in diameter and 10 feet in height. Trees taller than 10 feet and/or wider than five inches require an additional tag. For example, a 15-foot tree requires two tags. The Santa Fe National Forest has a three-tag limit per person.
Permit holders should be prepared for unpredictable weather changes and colder conditions at higher elevations. Forest Service staff may be in the cutting areas to check permits and answer questions.
Permit holders are asked to practice good stewardship. SFNF Christmas tree permits are valid only on land within forest boundaries. Tree cutting is prohibited within 300 feet of streams, rivers and paved roads, and in all recreation camp areas and congressionally designated wilderness areas.
See the following list of locations and hours for SFNF Christmas tree permit sales. For additional information, please contact Forest Headquarters at 505.438.5300.