Time is running out to cut your own Christmas tree on the Santa Fe National Forest. The Forest Headquarters in Santa Fe and the Santa Fe REI Store started with approximately 500 permits and are completely sold out. Permits are still available at all Ranger District offices and some third-party vendors, but are selling fast.
Christmas tree permits went on sale Nov. 24, 2014. The nonrefundable permits are for personal use only and may be purchased for $10 by check, credit/debit card or cash through Dec. 24, 2014, at Ranger Stations and vendors that still have permits to sell. Permit purchasers 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.
The public may purchase Christmas tree permits at Ranger Stations in Coyote, Cuba, Espanola, Jemez and Pecos/Las Vegas from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Los Alamos Satellite Office is open Wednesdays and Fridays only.
As of today, the following vendors still had permits to sell, but since that could change it is advisable to call ahead and confirm availability.
Los Alamos Historical Museum
1050 Bathtub Row
Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544
505.662.2660
Open Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Walatowa Visitor Center
7413 Highway 4
Jemez Pueblo, NM 87024
575.834.7235
Permits available Friday-Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Cash or check only – no credit cards
Phillips 66/Cuba Grill
6454 Main Street
Cuba, NM 87013
575.289.0338
Pancho’s Minute Men Shell Station
9 S. Main Street
Pecos, NM 87552
505.757.2620
Cash only
Griego’s Market
Highway 50
Pecos, NM
505.757.6555
Laguna Vista Quik-Stop
Highway 518
Las Vegas, NM 87701
505.425.7706
For additional information about the Santa Fe National Forest’s Christmas tree permits, please contact your local Ranger District or the Forest Headquarters at 505.438.5300.