Buy “Cut-your-own” Christmas Tree Permits starting Nov. 19 Fourth graders get one free

By SFNF

Permits to cut your own Christmas tree on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) are available for purchase beginning Monday, Nov. 19 at SFNF Headquarters, all SFNF Ranger District offices, and select third-party vendors.

As part of the “Every Kid in a Park” initiative, every fourth grader is eligible for a free Christmas tree permit.

In order to redeem the free permit, the student must present a valid fourth-grade pass, downloadable at www.everykidinapark.gov. Once the pass is printed, the fourth grader must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 to pick up the permit from the SFNF office of choice. The free permits can only be acquired at an SFNF office.

The nonrefundable Christmas tree permits are for personal use only and may be purchased for 10 dollars by check, credit/debit card, or cash through Saturday, Dec. 24. Permit purchasers will receive a tree tag, map, and guidelines for harvesting a tree.

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. USDA Forest Service staff may be in the cutting areas to check permits and answer questions.  Permit holders are asked to practice good stewardship.

Christmas tree permits purchased at an SFNF office or authorized vendor are valid only on land within SFNF boundaries.  Tree cutting is prohibited within 300 feet of streams, rivers and paved roads, and in all recreation camp areas, as well as congressionally designated wilderness areas.

The public may purchase Christmas tree permits at any SFNF office during nnormal business hours. Offices will be closed on Monday, Nov. 12 for Veterans Day and on Thursday, Nov. 22 for Thanksgiving Day. Since vendors will receive a limited number of permits, call in advance to check availability.

For additional information about the SFNF Christmas tree permits, contact the SFNF Headquarters at (505) 438-5300, or your local SFNF Ranger District office.

 

FOREST SERVICE OFFICE	TELEPHONE	PERMIT SALES HOURS
Coyote Ranger Station Coyote, NM	(575) 638-5526	Mon-Fri: 8am-12pm, 12:30-4pm
Cuba Ranger Station Cuba, NM	(575) 289-3264	Mon-Fri: 8am-12pm, 12:30-4pm
Jemez Ranger Station Jemez Springs, NM	(575) 829-3535	Mon-Fri: 8am-4:30pm
Pecos Ranger Station Pecos, NM	(505) 757-6121	Mon-Fri: 8am-12pm, 12:30-4:30pm No sales after 3 pm on Wednesdays
Las Vegas Ranger Station Las Vegas, NM	(505) 425-3534	Mon-Fri: 8am-12pm, 12:30-4:30pm No sales after 3pm on Wednesdays
Española Ranger Station Española, NM	(505) 753-7331	Mon-Fri: 8am-12pm, 12:30-4pm
Supervisor’s Office 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, NM	(505) 438-5300	Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm
OTHER VENDORS	TELEPHONE	HOLIDAY BUSINESS HOURS
Alpine Sports 121 Sandoval St. Santa Fe, NM 87501	(505)983-5155	Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 6pm
Los Alamos Historical Museum Fuller Lodge Lobby 1050 Bathtub Row Los Alamos, NM 87544	(505) 695-5250	Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm Sat-Sun: 10am-4pm
Phillips 66 6454 Main Street (US Hwy 550) Cuba, NM 87013	(575)-289-0338	Mon-Sun: 6am-8pm
Pueblo of Jemez Welcome Center 7413 Highway 4 Jemez Pueblo, NM 87024	(575) 834-7235	Friday, Saturday & Sunday 8am-12pm & 1-5pm Cash or check only – no credit cards
Pancho’s Minute Men Shell Station 9 S. Main Street Pecos, NM 87552	(505) 757-2620	Mon-Fri: 6am-9:30pm Sat-Sun: 7am-9:30pm Cash only
Laguna Vista Quick-Stop 167 Hwy. 518 Las Vegas, NM 87701	(505) 425-7706	Mon-Fri: 6am-7pm Sat: 7am-7pm; Sun: 7am-2 pm Thanksgiving Day: 7-11am