Silver City, NM; November 15, 2011-- Christmas trees permits will be available at all Ranger District offices on the Gila National Forest starting Monday, November 21, 2011. The permits sell for $5.00 each with a limit of one permit per household. Any tree species up to 10 feet high may be cut. Free permits for piñon trees will also be available.
Christmas tree permits include the tree tag, an information sheet on cutting regulations, and maps of the designated cutting areas. Tree cutting activities are NOT allowed within wilderness areas, river and stream (riparian) areas, and areas within 200 feet of paved roads and developed recreation sites.
Before traveling to the Forest to cut the family's Christmas tree, it is advisable to check with Ranger Districts to obtain information on road and weather conditions. During this time of year, the weather can be unpredictable with fast moving storms. Dirts roads then become impassable with muddy or snowpacked conditions. Make it a point to know what the weather forecast is for the day and plan accordingly!
Ranger District offices and the Supervisor's Office in Silver City are open Monday through Friday (except on national holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact local Ranger District offices for further information on purchasing permits by mail.
