Christmas is right around the corner, and the Bureau of Land Management has the perfect tool for those who prefer to cut down their own trees. The first step is to buy a permit through the BLM’s website. Next, students will want to select the Cedar City Field Office to purchase the correct Christmas tree permit.
After securing the permit, students can view the BLM’s new integrated map, which provides information about where, and where not, to cut down trees. Another important note that can be found on the map is the Field Office boundaries. It is important to select Cedar City’s office because the permit has to be issued by the correct field office to avoid tickets.
A permit will allow holders to cut down pinyon pine, white fir and juniper trees on land managed by the BLM or the United States Forest Service. Some available permits are:
— BLM St. George Field Offices is $10 per permit for each tree.
— Dixie National Forest is $10 per permit for trees shorter than 10 feet tall and $20 for trees 11-20 feet tall.
An important thing to remember for permit holders is to bring their permit and map with them to avoid going into non-permitted areas. Both the USFS and BLM provide everything needed to find the perfect tree. Maps and permits can be obtained at any Public Lands Information Center.
The BLM prioritizes safety, and they have a few suggestions for those cutting down their own Christmas trees this winter. Remember to bring a cell phone, extra warm clothing, a warm drink and food. In case of emergency, it is also important to bring tools like a shovel, flashlight, matches and anything else to help cut down or protect oneself while searching for the perfect tree.
Visit the BLM website for more information about the permits, maps and safety tips.
Author: Chevy Blackburn
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Copy Editor: Isaac Allen
outdoors@suunews.net
