Residents can purchase permits to cut their own Christmas trees from the Arapaho and Roosevelt national forests.

Permits cost $20 per tree and must be purchased in advance. The responsibility of understanding where it is legal to cut down a tree falls on each permit holder.

Forest Service employees and partners will staff information sites in the Canyon Lakes and Sulphur ranger districts on varying weekends Nov. 29 through Dec. 15 and can help permit holders understand those legal boundaries.

More information on where cutting is permitted is available at the National Forest Service’s website. The Clear Creek and Boulder ranger districts are two areas where cutting is not allowed.

Another helpful tool for those looking to find the perfect Christmas tree is the Avenza app, which outlines cutting area maps and motor vehicle use maps. This app works without cell service and helps to make sure visitors are not on private property or in prohibited areas.

Seasonal roads will begin to close to motor vehicles on Nov. 15, but snowmobiles and skis may be used to access some areas.

“These ranger districts have been heavily impacted by wildfires in recent years,” the Forest Service said in a news release. “Use caution when in burned areas. Most Forest Service roads are not plowed, and chains or traction devices are recommended.”

Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoor pass may receive a free Christmas tree permit, available through recreation.gov, subject to a $2.50 reservation fee.

Permits can be purchased at recreation.gov and at tinyurl.com/2ekammdc.