Permits for holiday tree cutting now available

ST. GEORGE, Utah — Many of today’s families still enjoy the age-old tradition of roaming the hills together on a cold winter’s day in search of a unique, naturally grown Christmas tree. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is offering permits to harvest Christmas trees now through Dec. 24.

The BLM Arizona Strip Field Office has begun selling non-commercial permits to cut pinyon pine and juniper trees in-person and online. To obtain a tree permit from the Arizona Strip or St. George Field Office online go to: https://forestproducts.blm.gov/. For information on purchasing tree permits for the Dixie National Forest, please visit the website for the Pine Valley Ranger District or the Cedar City Ranger District. To request information and assistance by phone during regular business hours, excluding weekends and federal holidays, call 435-688-3200.

To purchase a permit in person, please visit the Public Lands Information Center located at 345 East Riverside Drive, St. George, Utah during the operating hours of Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please note this location is closed on the weekends and Federal holidays.

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.

Permits enable holders to cut personal-use pinyon pine or juniper trees on lands managed by the BLM and the United States Forest Service (USFS) in the following areas:

• BLM Arizona Strip Field Office ($10 per permit for each tree)
• BLM St. George Field Office ($10 per permit for each tree)
• Dixie National Forest ($10 for trees from 1-10 feet high/$20 for trees 11-20 feet high)

The Dixie National Forest is excited to once again offer free Christmas tree permits to 4th graders who participate in Every Kid Outdoors program which introduces them to the joy of exploring public lands. To receive a free Christmas tree permit, 4th graders can sign up for the program at https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm, download and print their pass, then with a parent or guardian, bring it to the Public Lands Information Center to receive their free Christmas tree permit.

Important Note:

Christmas tree harvesting is not allowed in wilderness areas, campgrounds, developed recreation areas, national monuments, research natural areas, areas of critical environmental concern, or posted tree plantations, within 200 feet of state highways or on private lands. Permit holders can easily avoid non-permitted areas by carrying their tree permit and map with them, along with the appropriate USFS or BLM map which can be obtained along with a permit purchased at the Public Lands Information Center.

Enjoy a happy and safe holiday season:

The BLM encourages everyone to 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 rope to secure your tree.