Christmas Tree Permits Now Available Through BLM Wyoming
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced that Christmas tree permits are now available for purchase in Wyoming, offering residents an opportunity to harvest their own holiday trees from designated BLM-administered lands, Oil City News reports.
Permits range from $7.50 to $10 per tree, depending on the location, and individuals may purchase up to five permits for personal use. Permits can be obtained at local BLM Wyoming field offices Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding the Newcastle Field Office.
BLM permits are only valid for trees located on BLM-administered lands. Those seeking trees on US Forest Service-administered land must obtain separate permits through local Forest Service offices or select BLM offices.
The BLM outlined specific rules for Christmas tree cutting:
- Trees must be under 15 feet tall and have a diameter of less than 8 inches.
- Permit holders must carry a valid permit when cutting trees.
- Harvesting is prohibited in certain areas, including wilderness areas, timber sale zones, campgrounds, and private lands.
- Certain tree species, such as whitebark pine and limber pine, are protected and cannot be cut or damaged.
Additionally, the BLM advises individuals to confirm they are on BLM-managed land before harvesting and to be prepared for challenging winter weather and conditions in high-altitude areas.
The BLM encourages harvesting from species like subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and lodgepole pine, often found in the understory of aspen stands. This practice, they note, can benefit forest health and wildlife habitat.
For more details or assistance, the BLM advises visiting their website at www.blm.gov/wyoming-christmas-trees or contacting a local field office:
- Buffalo Field Office: (307) 684-1100
- Casper Field Office: (307) 261-7600
- Cody Field Office: (307) 578-5900
- Kemmerer Field Office: (307) 828-4500
- Lander Field Office: (307) 332-8400
- Pinedale Field Office: (307) 367-5300
- Rawlins Field Office: (307) 328-4200
- Rock Springs Field Office: (307) 352-0256
- Worland Field Office: (307) 347-5100
