How To Apply For Boulder County Christmas Tree Lottery

BOULDER COUNTY, CO — There's nothing like the smell and sight of a freshly cut Christmas tree, and it's not too late to enter for a chance to cut your own in Boulder County.

Residents have until Sunday to enter their application for the county's tree lottery, which will grant 100 permits for cutting a lodgepole pine tree at Reynolds Ranch Open Space, 11212 Magnolia Road in Nederland.

Boulder County Parks & Open Space will notify the winners on Monday, and they will have until Nov. 28 to buy a $20 permit. They will then be assigned a specific date and time (9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m. on Dec. 4 or Dec. 5). Sessions will be held regardless of weather conditions, officials said.

If any permits are available after the deadline, people on the waitlist will be notified of their availability on Nov. 29.

The lottery aims to thin lodgepole pine trees in specific Reynolds Ranch Open Space areas.

"These lodgepole pines are between 3 and 8 feet tall, might have weaker limbs, and might not look as full as typical Christmas trees," officials wrote on their website. "But they have excellent needle retention, look unique, and you will have the satisfaction of helping with forest management efforts."

Permit holders will need to supply their own materials to cut down and transport their tree, including a handsaw, straps and ropes.

>> Applicants can enter for a permit here.

Gabby DeBenedictis contributed to this report.