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WOODLAND PARK, COLO. -- The days of cutting down your own Christmas tree seem few and far between with so many imported tree lots popping up.

So some people are taking matters into their own hands by searching the forest for a local tree this year with a tree cutting permit from the U.S. Forest Service.

That permit lets you have your pick of more than 12-thousand acres of Lodgepole Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Douglas-Fir, and Engelmann Spruce.

The Pike National Forest - Pikes Peak Ranger District is selling those permits for $10.00 a tree until December 12. You can get one at 601 South Weber Street in Colorado Springs from 8:00 a.m. To 4:30 p.m. Monday through friday, and at the Woodland Park Middle School parking lot on Dec. 8 and 9 from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. 

Dawn Sanchez with the Pike's Peak Rangers District said these trees aren't as full or fancy as the ones you'll find in a lot, but they're homegrown right in our own backyard.

"The trees are more natural. They're not gonna be as perfect and nice as the ones you buy in the store," she explained.

So why bother scavenging the forest for your own tree, then?

You're doing the city a service by keeping the forest safe from the threat of wildfires.

Sanchez said cutting down these smaller trees reduces the amount of fuel for a potential wildfire.

"It helps thin the forest, it helps reduce fire danger and it promotes for the growth of the larger trees," she said.

This is an important job, Sanchez explained, because of the dry conditions we've been having. Springs area residents have been calling in smoke and small fires, and especially in Woodland Park, rangers are working extra hours to patrol the forests.

So while your living room might look more like "A Charlie Brown Christmas," the pick-em-yourself pines from the Pike's Peak region will make for a Colorado holiday and a stable future for our forest.

What does it take to get a tree?

Three simple steps.

1. Purchase a permit for each tree you intent to take.

2. Use and handsaw or axe to chop it down, not a chainsaw.

3. Place the permit visibly on your tree as you leave the national forest.

Rangers said you should allow at least four hours for your tree cutting adventure. Also be prepared for winter conditions, and dress warmly.

It is best to use a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and bring ropes to secure your tree as you take the bumpy drive back to Woodland Park.

For additional information and for a detailed map of the cutting area, you can call the rangers at 719-477-4221.