Christmas may be over, but the U.S. Forest Service is already thinking ahead to the 2018 season. Prices for Christmas tree permits could potentially double.
The U.S. Forest Service is looking for your input on the potential price increase on permits to cut down Christmas trees in Colorado. Instead of $10, the permits would rise to $20. So not a terrible increase, but an increase nonetheless. This would affect Arapaho, Roosevelt, Pike, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison national forests. According to the Forest Service, the revenue from the permits would help extend Christmas tree permit sales, cover snow plowing costs, expand forest safety patrols, and provide maps, signs, and information to visitors. "For generations, friends and families throughout Colorado have made cutting their own Christmas tree on a national forest a treasured holiday tradition, and the program offers them an opportunity to be good stewards of their public lands," the Forest Service's Rocky Mountain Region said in a statement.
Forest Service is asking the community to weigh in and asks that if you do voice your opinion, you do so either online or through the mail. They will only be taking comments until February 16.
Online Comments: Pike National Forest; Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests; and Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest.
Below are the mailing addresses for each area:
Pike National Forest
Attention: Christmas Tree Permit Fee Increase
2840 Kachina Drive
Pueblo, CO 81008
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests
Attention: Christmas Tree Permit Fee Increase
2250 South Main St.
Delta, Colorado 81416
Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest
Attention: Christmas Tree Permit Fee Increase
2150 Centre Avenue, Building E
Fort Collins, CO 80526
What are your thoughts on this increase? Is it worth paying $10 more for a Christmas tree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.