Cut your own Christmas tree: Permits available now

'Tis the season to start planning where you are going to get a Christmas tree.

There are many places to get a tree ranging from parking lot tents, to major retail stores, but have you ever considered going to the forest to chop down your own tree?

Whether you are looking for a new family tradition, or have been cutting down the holiday tree for years, now is the time to get your permit.

Christmas tree cutting permits for the Magdalena, Mountainair and Mt. Taylor Ranger Districts are available now through Dec. 29.

These permits can be purchased online at recreation.gov or at:

Magdalena Ranger District Office

LOCATION: 203 First St., Magdalena, 575-854-2281

Hours: Weekdays 8:30 am to noon and 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Mountainair Ranger District Office

LOCATION: 40 Ranger Station Road, Mountainair, 505-847-2990

HOURS: Weekdays 8:30 am to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Mt. Taylor Ranger District Office

LOCATION: 1800 Lobo Canyon Road, Grants, 505-287-8833

HOURS: Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Fort Wingate

LOCATION: 326 D. Painted Horse Trail in Fort Wingate

Directions: I-40 to exit 33 to NM 400 to the town of Fort Wingate and follow signs to the Wingate Workcenter/Administrative site.

HOURS: Fort Wingate Sales will be Wednesdays only until Dec. 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office

LOCATION: 2113 Osuna NE, 505-346-3900

HOURS: Weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Permits cost $10 for a 10-foot tree, $12 for a 12-foot tree and $15 for a 15-foot tree, which is the maximum height allowed for a tree.

All fourth graders will be eligible to receive a free Christmas tree permit as part of the Every Kid Outdoors initiative, which aims to connect kids with nature.

The cutting period will be from Nov. 23 through Dec. 31.

Each permit is good for one tree, up to two trees per household.

Permit information can be found online at fs.usda.gov.