Christmas tree permits, which allow you to cut your own holiday tree on National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands, are now on sale at federal lands offices and selected retail outlets in southwestern Colorado. A permit, which costs $8, allows you to cut one tree up to 20 feet tall for personal use. This year’s permits expire December 31, 2014. Permits come with a brochure explaining regulations and helpful tips. National Forest/BLM offices also sell maps and offer tips on tree harvesting. Offices in Bayfield, Dolores, Durango and Pagosa Springs will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through the holidays. Permits are on sale at:

BAYFIELD:Columbine Ranger District, 367 Pearl St.

CORTEZ: City Market, 508 E. Main

DOLORES: Dolores Public Lands Office, 29211 Highway 184, Dolores Food Market – 400 Railroad Ave, Dolores

(Note: Permits are not on sale at the Anasazi Heritage Center.)

DURANGO: San Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court, Kroeger’s Ace Hardware, #8 Town Plaza

MANCOS: Cox Conoco, 201 E. Railroad Ave.

PAGOSA SPRINGS: Pagosa Ranger District, 180 Pagosa St.

National Forest and BLM roads are not plowed for snow removal, and even if backcountry roads are not closed due to snow, dangerous ice conditions may exist. Call the San Juan Public Lands Center at 970-247-4874 for up-to-date information on road conditions. More information and tips on how to cut your Christmas tree on public lands are available at www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan under Quick Links.