BLM begins sale of holiday tree cutting permits

A child selecting a Christmas tree, date and location not specified | Photo courtesy of Utah State University, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Each year hundreds of people enjoy finding and harvesting their Christmas and holiday trees on public lands. The Bureau of Land Management’s Arizona Strip Field Office has begun selling noncommercial permits to cut pinyon pine and juniper trees in-person and online.

A small girl getting a Christmas tree in forest. A girl pulling a tree on a sledge. Winter day. | Photo by Halfpoint/iStock/Getty Images Plus, St. George News

According to a press release issued by the BLM, residents wishing to harvest their own tree can visit the website to obtain a tree permit for the Arizona Strip and St. George Field Office online.

To request information and assistance by phone during regular business hours, excluding weekends and federal holidays, call 435-688-3200

The BLM has also announced new hours of operation for the Public Lands Information Center located at 345 E. Riverside Drive in St. George. Visitors are welcome to obtain information and purchase resource permits in-person Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In keeping with guidelines for federal sites during the pandemic, visitors to the information center are required to wear a face mask and practice social distancing. 

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, ax or handsaw, and a rope to secure your tree. 

For additional information about BLM tree permits, call  435-688-3200. 

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2021, all rights reserved.

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