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 from November through December 25.
The Bureau of Land Management’s 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 for the Arizona Strip and St. George Field Office online go to: https://forestproducts.blm.gov/. To request information and assistance by phone during regular business hours, excluding weekends and federal holidays, call 435-688-3200.
To purchase resource permits in person, hours of operation for thePublic Lands Center located at 4001 East Aviator Drive, St. George, Utah 84790 are Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Public Lands Center is closed 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 on which the tag was purchased.
Permits enable holders to cut personal-use trees on lands managed by the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service in the following areas:
· Arizona Strip Field Office, Bureau of Land Management ($10 per permit for each tree)
· St. George Field Office, Bureau of Land Management ($10 per permit for each tree)
Pinyon pine or juniper trees are available on BLM Arizona Strip and BLM St. George Field Offices.
Christmas tree harvest 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 BLM map which can be obtained along with a permit purchased at the Public Lands Center 4001 East Aviator Drive, St. George, Utah 84790. Additional information can be obtained by calling 435-688-3200.
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!
For additional information, please contact the Arizona Strip District Office at 435-688-3200.
