Cut Your Own Tree

Cutting a Christmas tree in a national forest is a tradition for many families in our community. By cutting your own tree, you take an active part in managing your national forests! Once again, you can do it in our community’s open space. The Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association Open Space Department, Open Space Committee and Board of Directors, in accordance with the Ken-Caryl Ranch Forest Stewardship Plan, is supporting our third season of the Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Program as a nice addition to the annual Christmas Tree harvest/sale in Ken-Caryl Ranch. The program will provide the community with an option to register for a permit, limited to 75 permits, one per family, to hike in the open space and cut a Christmas tree. The cost of the permit is $10 to cut up to three trees and all proceeds will go to offsetting Open Space Department expenses.

The goal of the program is to take areas that are not as accessible to bulk forest operations and allow volunteers to cut their own trees in a designated area where regeneration of Douglas fir trees is reaching such a height that it begins to act as a ladder fuel for wildfire, generally, over 6 feet tall, and affects forest health due to the density of the amount of trees. Other trees may be found at the sites, including Aspen and Ponderosa Pines; however, these trees are not part of the project for removal by residents. Douglas fir trees are soft and small needled trees. Guidelines for the program include the following:

• You must have a valid permit to cut and/or remove Douglas fir trees in the designated area from Ken-Caryl Ranch open space. Boundaries of the Christmas tree cutting sites will be marked with flagging, “Timber Harvest Boundary” and several trees may have “Do Not Cut” flagging attached. Please refer to the site map that is printed below this article.
  • You must stay within the designated cutting area (see map).
  • No topping of Douglas fir trees – cut to size once the full tree has been felled.
  • Cut below lowest live limb – leave stumps no higher than six inches.
  • Hand saw only, no gas or electric saws allowed.
  • Avoid damage to other trees.
  • No vehicles, bikes, or horses are permitted. This program is for hikers only.
  • Tree harvest dates are Nov. 19 – Dec. 20.

What a great way to support your Open Space Department and receive a beautiful tree for the holidays! Permit applications may be purchased via the link below. Questions may be directed to the Ken-Caryl Ranch Park Rangers at 303-979-1876, ext. 170.

NOTE – While cutting and transporting your own Christmas tree from open space is a rewarding and great way to spend time with family, please be aware that it requires intense physical exertion, including walking long distances, hiking off trail, and standing on uneven ground and steep slopes. This year’s cutting site features difficult and challenging terrain and conditions. Residents should also be prepared for snowy and icy conditions and cold temperatures. For safety, residents are encouraged to dress in layers and to take plenty of breaks, as needed. Please note: this activity may not be suitable for very young children or residents with pre-existing conditions or mobility issues.