MONTE VISTA - Christmas tree cutting permits are once again for sale at all Rio Grande National Forest offices located at 1803 W. Hwy 160 in Monte Vista, Colorado.  The permits cost $8.00 each with a limit of five permits per household.
 Rio Grande National Forest Christmas tree permits are also available at the Creede Chamber of Commerce; Rainbow Grocery and Silver Thread Information Center in South Fork; Kristi Mountain Sports in Alamosa; and Hometown Food Market in Antonito.
 Christmas tree permits are valid only for trees growing on land managed by the Rio Grande National Forest. All trees must be at least 100 feet away from any campground, picnic area or road and the tree trunk can be up to 5 inches in diameter at shoulder height.  Cutting trees within designated wilderness areas or the Conejos Canyon is prohibited.
 For more information concerning Christmas tree cutting permits, contact the Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 719-852-5941.