Christmas tree cutting in Cibola Forest

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A trip to the forest to cut a Christmas tree is a fun winter recreation and with proper planning, will provide a rewarding and enjoyable experience. The tree cutting program also helps thin overcrowded timber stands on National Forests. So, get your family or friends together, pack a lunch, and head for the great outdoors.

The Cibola National Forest covers over 1.9 million acres with elevations from near 5,000 feet to over 11,000 feet.

Permits will be available over-the-counter at Cibola National Forest offices beginning November 23 and lasting through December 24. The cost is $10.00 per permit. Each household is limited to one permit. Up to nine additional permits can be purchased for family or friends.

Roads may be snow packed or icy during the cutting season, so tire chains or 4-wheel drive is advised. Please check road conditions before heading out and plan your trip when roads are firm and dry if possible. And finally, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. This information will be helpful in the event you have vehicle trouble.

There is NO Christmas tree cutting on the Sandia or Mountainair Ranger Districts.

For tree cutting on the Cibola National Forest, permits can be purchased at the following locations:

Cibola National Forest Supervisor’s Office
2113 Osuna RD., NE
Albuquerque, NM
505-346-3900
Open: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:45 pm

Mt. Taylor Ranger District
1800 Lobo Canyon Rd.
Grants, NM
505-287-8833
Open: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed for lunch: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Magdalena Ranger District
203 First St.
Magdalena, NM
575-854-2281
Open: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed for lunch: 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm

Ft. Wingate Office
Saturday’s Only
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
505-488-5441

Conditions of Christmas tree permit

1. Cutting is permitted only in areas designated on your Christmas tree permit, and from November 26 through December 24, 2009.
2. One Christmas tree, up to 10 feet tall (additional $1.00 per foot for trees over 10 feet), is allowed for each permit. Your permit is good for a living tree if you want to dig it up, rather than cut it. *All conifer species trees may be cut and only in the designated areas.
3. Cut trees as close to the ground as possible, leaving a stump no higher than 6 inches. Cut all remaining branches from the stump.
4. Do not cut tops of trees of any size.
5. Once you have selected your tree and before cutting or digging, attach your permit to it in such a position that it will be highly visible when loaded in/on your vehicle.

For more information on tree cutting on the Cibola National Forest, call the Cibola National Forest Supervisor's Office, 505-346-3900, or any district office or visit the Cibola National Forest website at: www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/.

Individuals interested in tree cutting on the Santa Fe National Forest (Jemez, Pecos, Cuba, and Las Vegas Ranger Districts), please contact the Santa Fe National Forest at 505-438-7840 for more information.