BLM Christmas tree and firewood permits available in Monte Vista

MONTE VISTA — Permits for cutting Christmas trees and firewood on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands are available online and from the San Luis Valley Field Office in Monte Vista.

Christmas tree permits are $10 per tree and may be purchased online at forestproducts.blm.gov at any time, or they may be purchased from the field office Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Permit sales run through Dec. 24. BLM lands are largely available for harvest, except for Wilderness Study Areas. Permits exclude cutting willow, alder, and bristlecone pine.

“With the purchase of a Christmas tree permit, families can take part in the time-honored tradition of selecting and cutting their own holiday tree,” said San Luis Valley Field Manager Melissa Garcia. “We recommend bringing along a hand saw, rope or twine, extra food, water and blankets when you cut your tree.”

Warm clothes and boots, tire chains, a shovel, and emergency supplies are also important to bring along.

A BLM permit is required for firewood cutting and removal from BLM public lands and costs $10 per cord. Permits purchased from the U.S. Forest Service are not valid for cutting firewood on BLM.

For more information about forest products on BLM lands, call the San Luis Valley Field Office at 719-852-7074.