MONTE VISTA — Christmas tree cutting permits are once again for sale at Rio Grande National Forest offices in Saguache, La Jara, Monte Vista and Del Norte. These offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Permits may be purchased at the Forest Service office in Creede on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The permits cost $8 each with a limit of five permits per household.

Rio Grande National Forest Christmas tree permits are also available at the Rainbow Grocery in South Fork; Kristi Mountain Sports in Alamosa and Del Norte; and Hometown Food Market in Antonito.

Fourth graders may get a free Christmas tree permit when they present a valid Every Kid in a Park pass. These passes may be obtained at www.EveryKidinaPark.gov. The free permit may be obtained only at Rio Grande National Forest offices and the participating fourth grader must be present.

Christmas tree permits are valid only for trees growing on land managed by the Rio Grande National Forest. All trees must be at least 100 feet away from any campground, picnic area or road and can be up to five inches in diameter at shoulder height. Cutting trees within designated wilderness areas or the Conejos Canyon is prohibited.

For more information concerning Christmas tree cutting permits, contact the Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 719-852-5941.