Forest Service Opens Christmas Tree Permits for Dolores County Residents
Christmas tree permits become available in mid‑November through Recreation.gov and local vendors, offering an affordable, lawful way for Dolores County residents to harvest trees for the holidays. The Forest Service provides guidance on where to cut, recommended species such as white fir, and winter travel safety tips, while local outfitters including Dolores Outfitters are listed as permit sellers.
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The U.S. Forest Service has announced that Christmas tree permits for the upcoming holiday season will be available beginning in mid‑November, providing Dolores County residents with a seasonal option for legally harvesting trees on public land. Permits can be purchased online at Recreation.gov or in person from local vendors; the typical permit fee is $8, with any additional online service fees applied at purchase. Local sellers confirmed in media notices include Dolores Outfitters at 341 Railroad Ave in Dolores.
Forest Service materials outline not only the permitting process but also the specific areas where cutting is allowed, the species the agency recommends targeting — such as white fir — and safety guidance for winter travel in backcountry and forest settings. The agency’s guidance seeks to balance access to a long‑standing holiday tradition with forest stewardship and public safety, advising harvesters to follow designated cutting zones and to prepare for winter road and trail conditions.
A notice in the Durango Herald reiterated the availability of permits through local vendors and the online portal, underscoring the role of community businesses in facilitating access. For local outfitters and seasonal retailers, the permit season generates modest foot traffic and customer engagement at a time when winter recreation and retail overlap, helping support small businesses in Dolores and neighboring towns.
For residents, the permit program offers an affordable alternative to commercial Christmas trees or large retail chains, and it preserves a communal practice tied to the region’s woodland heritage. At the same time, it places responsibility on harvesters to follow Forest Service rules — selecting approved species, cutting in designated areas, and adhering to safety precautions for winter travel — in order to reduce damage to public lands and limit search‑and‑rescue risks during inclement weather.
Local officials and outdoor businesses often remind users to check up‑to‑date Forest Service maps and advisories before heading out, and to factor in chains, proper clothing, and communication plans for winter outings. As the season approaches, the permit program represents both a practical community resource and a reminder of the interconnected roles of residents, businesses, and land managers in maintaining safe, sustainable access to public forests.
