In true Christmas spirit, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is offering tree-cutting permits for hundreds through its annual lottery drawing. Applications open next weekend.

The park will randomly select 250 applicants from the lottery. Those selected will be allowed to cut down and take home any tree from the state park, located 30 minutes outside of Denver.

Tree selections within the park include Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine, Lodgepole pine and Rocky Mountain juniper.

“By cutting trees, permit holders will assist Golden Gate Canyon State Park in thinning overcrowded and dense vegetation,” a park statement said. “This selective thinning will improve the overall health of the forest and reduce the impacts of future wildfires.”

Participants can cut the trees down themselves using hand tools, like handsaws or axes. Chainsaws and power saws are prohibited.

Applications for the permits will open Nov. 1 and close Nov. 15. The application is free but, if selected, permits will cost $35. Only one permit will be granted per household.

Selected applicants will be notified on Nov. 16. The tree cutting will be held between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Dec. 5.

Permit applications are available online at the Golden Gate Canyon State Park page and cpwshop.com.