BLM offers Christmas and holiday tree permits

Each year hundreds of people enjoy finding unique, naturally grown Christmas and holiday trees on public lands. The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Arizona Strip Field Office and agency partners have begun selling non-commercial permits in-person and online. To obtain a tree permit for the Arizona Strip and St. George Field Office online go to: https://forestproducts.blm.gov/  For information on purchasing tree permits for the Dixie National Forest visit their website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/dixie/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD838780  Permits will be available now through December 23. 

Visitors are welcome to obtain information and purchase Christmas and holiday tree permits in-person Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Public Lands Information Center located at 345 East Riverside Drive, St. George, Utah. To request information and assistance by phone during regular business hours, excluding weekends and federal holidays, call 435-688-3200. 

Permits enable holders to cut personal-use trees on lands managed by the BLM and the USFS in the following areas; 

• Arizona Strip Field Office, Bureau of Land Management ($10 per permit) 
• St. George Field Office, Bureau of Land Management ($10 per permit) 
• Dixie National Forest ($10 for trees from 1-10 feet high/$20 for trees 11-20 feet high)

A permit is required for the harvest of each individual tree. The tree tag is validated by attaching it securely to the tree in a visible location and cutting out the date, month, and year. Permits are only good for the land agency in which the tag was purchased. 

In support of the Every Kid Outdoors program, one free tree permit is available to fourth graders who present a valid paper or durable Every Kid Outdoors pass. The student must be present with the parent at the time the permit is issued. Every Kid Outdoors vouchers are available to be printed at the program website.  

Keep safety in mind when participating in this exciting holiday tradition. Early season cutting is advised as winter weather conditions in the mountains are unpredictable. Be prepared for wet or snow-packed roads and carry chains. Stay on designated roads and trails and respect private property boundaries. Let someone know where you are planning to go and the approximate time you will return. Remember to carry a cell phone, bring additional warm clothing, gloves, boots, a container of hot liquid, water, and a lunch or snack. Carry a flashlight, shovel, first-aid kit, matches, axe or handsaw, and a rope to secure your tree. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season! 

Original source can be found here.