Whether you want to select a Christmas tree from a lot or go chop it down yourself, the San Juan National Forest can provide.
Permits are now available for endeavoring revelers who wish to harvest their own tree. For those who would rather buy a precut tree, the San Juan Mountains Association will open the Christmas trees for Conservation lot Nov. 24 at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad parking lot.
The tree harvest season began last weekend. Permits can be purchased online or at the San Juan National Forest district offices, Dolores Outfitters and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware in Durango.
Harvesters are directed not to cut ponderosa pines or Douglas firs, and should instead seek white fir, subalpine fir and spruce trees. Christmas trees may not exceed 20 feet in height, and the remaining stump must not be higher than 6 inches.
Trees may not be harvested within active timber sales, wilderness areas, special recreation areas or research natural areas. They must also be cut at least 100 feet away from campgrounds, county roads, state or federal highways, private lands and administrative sites.
SJNF spokeswoman Kris Allen said cutting white firs in particular can improve forest health by reducing the risk of wildfires. The trees can act as ladder fuels, which lead to larger, more intense fires.
“Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide forage for wildlife,” Allen said in a news release.
SJNF Timber Program Manager Travis Burch said Durango tree-seekers who are looking for white fir should consider heading to the Durango Hills trailhead, East Hermosa Road behind Purgatory, above Animas Overlook, Beaver Meadows, Taylor Mesa and around Williams Creek Reservoir.
SJMA will also sell white firs harvested from the national forest at its Christmas tree lot in Durango starting Nov. 24. The lot will remain open until Dec. 15 or until trees sell out.
The lot will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.
The organization is accepting help from volunteers Saturday in Beaver Meadows, east of Bayfield, where assistance is needed in hauling and transporting the trees.
To sign up to volunteer, visit SJMA’s website or contact Marly Saunders at 703-881-2520.
More information concerning where to cut Christmas trees and how to identify tree species is available online at fs.usda.gov.
rschafir@durangoherald.com
