Special White House Initiative, Free Holiday Tree to Every Interested Fourth Grader

Program Area:  Sales of Forest Products, Christmas Trees

Purpose:  The White House initiative Every Kid in a Park (“Every Kid”) delivers a nationwide call to action to build the next generation of environmental stewards.  Field Offices should accommodate Every Kid free-use holiday tree requests by issuing permits to fourth graders who present a valid fourth Grade Pass.  The support of this program shall strengthen BLM’s goal for connecting youth to the outdoors.

Policy/Action:  As part of this initiative, the BLM shall make available a free holiday tree to every interested fourth grader with a valid fourth Grade Pass.  The fourth Grade Pass allows every fourth grader free access to federal lands across the country for a full year. 

Field offices issuing holiday tree permits shall track each holiday permit number (Christmas tree tag number) issued under this initiative separately from normal Christmas tree sales.  Each Field Office shall provide the Montana State Forester with the number of permits issue under this initiative.    

Timeframe:  Immediately through December 24, 2015.

Budget Impact:  Minimal

Background:  Every Kid is an Administration-wide effort to connect youth with nature in meaningful ways at a key age, fourth grade.