Do you hear what I hear? Sale of holiday tree permits on Utah public lands to begin

Stock photo | Photo by JasonOndreicka/ iStock / Getty Images Plus, St. George News

ST. GEORGE —Just like that, another year is near its end, and the holiday season is in full swing. With that, and the coming of colder days spiked with the aromas of pumpkin spice and cinnamon, the Bureau of Land Management and Kaibab National Forest are beginning to sell holiday tree permits.

Stock photo | Photo by Unsplash, St. George News

On Monday, the BLM will begin offering non-commercial holiday tree permits to cut pinyon pine, juniper and fir trees in Utah, according to a press release issued Tuesday by the BLM. Each year, thousands of people find their Christmas and holiday trees on public lands.

Permits will be available for purchase online anytime and in-person during regular business hours, excluding federal holidays.

The BLM strongly recommends that the public purchase permits online at the forest products permit website starting Monday. If individuals need to obtain permits in person, check office hours in advance, which can be found here.

Information pertaining to each field office is listed following safety guidance.

Safety first

Stock photo | Photo by Unsplash, St. George News

The BLM asks the public to please keep safety in mind when participating in this holiday tradition, so all may have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Early season cutting is advised as winter weather conditions in the mountains are unpredictable. Be prepared for slick, snow-packed roads and carry chains. The BLM recommends using a four-wheel drive vehicle or snow machine in many locations. 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.

Color Country District

Cedar City Field Office

  • Office location: 176 East D.L. Sargent Drive, Cedar City, Utah, 84721
  • Cost: $10 each with a limit of two per household
  • Type: Juniper, pinyon pine, and white fir
  • For more information: Call 435-865-3000, or email.

Richfield Field Office

  • Office location: 150 E. 900 N., Richfield, Utah, 84701 or Henry Mountains Field Station, 380 S. 100 W., Hanksville, Utah, 84734
  • Cost: $10 each with a limit of two per household
  • Type: Pinyon pine and juniper
  • For more information: Call 435-896-1500, or email

St. George Field Office

  • Office location: Permits sold from the Cedar City Field Office
  • Cost: $10 each with a limit of two per household
  • Type: Pinyon Pine and Juniper
  • For more information: Call 435-865-3000, or email

Paria River District

  • Paria River District Office: 669 South Highway 89 A, Kanab, Utah, 84741
  • Cost: $10 each with a limit of two per household
  • Type: Juniper and Pinyon Pine
  • For more information: Call 435-644-1200, or email

Canyon Country District

Moab Field Office

  • Office location: 82 East Dogwood Moab, Utah, 84532
  • Cost: $10 each with a limit of two per household
  • Type: Pinyon Pine
  • For more information: Call 435-259-2100

Monticello Field Office

  • Office location: 365 North Main, Monticello, Utah, 84535
  • Cost: $10 each with a limit of two per household
  • Type: Pinyon Pine and Juniper
  • For more information: Call 435-587-1500

Green River District

Price Field Office

  • Office location: 125 S. 600 W., Price, Utah, 84501
  • Cost: $10 each with a limit of five per household
  • Type: Pinyon Pine and Juniper
  • For more information: Call 435-636-3600, or email

Vernal Field Office

  • Office location: 170 S. 500 E., Vernal, Utah, 84078
  • Cost: $10 each with a limit of one permit per household.
  • Type: Pinyon Pine and Juniper
  • For more information: Call 435-781-4400, or email

West Desert District

Salt Lake Field Office

  • Office location: 2370 S. Decker Lake Blvd., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84119)
  • Cost: $10 each with a limit of two per household
  • Type: Juniper and Pinyon Pine
  • For more information: Call 801-977-4300, or email
  • The Salt Lake Field Office also sells tree-cutting permits for the Fillmore Field Office and BLM-managed lands in Elko County, Nevada. Tree permits for Elko County are $4 each with a limit of 10 per household and are only available to purchase in person.

Fillmore Field Office

  • Location: 95 E. 500 N., Fillmore, Utah, 84631 or Salt Lake Field Office
  • Cost: $10 each with a limit of three per household
  • Type: Juniper and Pinyon Pine
  • For more information: Call 435-743-3100, or email

If you are unsure which BLM office to contact, use BLM Utah’s administrative boundary map. Additional information about BLM Utah tree permits, and any updates, are available online.

Kaibab National Forest

Stock photo | Photo by Unsplash, St. George News

A press release issued by the Kaibab National Forest public affairs office states that permits opened for online purchase Oct. 14, and permit holders may begin cutting their trees on Nov. 9. Details about designated cutting areas, maps, dates and sizes of trees that may be cut can also be found at the purchasing website.

Permits are limited to one per household and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out. Up to five trees may be purchased on a single permit at $15 per tree.

A processing fee will be applied to each transaction. Permits are valid from Nov. 9 through Dec. 31.

When purchasing an online permit, it is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing, the news release states. Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.

Fourth-grade students can get a free Christmas tree through the Every Kid Outdoors Program by entering their pass ID on Recreation.gov. Additional information about the initiative and how to obtain a pass can be found online.

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

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