CASPER, Wyo. — People wanting to chop down their own Christmas tree can obtain permits from the Bureau of Land Management Wyoming for $5–$10 per tree, depending on where the tree will be cut.
“Although the Christmas tree permits are for any tree species, the BLM recommends Engelmann spruce, sub-alpine fir, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine as the best species to cut for your Christmas tree,” BLM Wyoming said in a press release Tuesday. “Christmas trees harvested from aspen stands and dense young stands will contribute to forest health and improve wildlife habitat.
“Tree cutters must have a valid permit with them while cutting a tree. Trees may not be cut within wilderness areas, wilderness study areas, timber sale areas or administrative sites such as developed campgrounds.”
Permits from the BLM only allow cutting of trees on BLM-administered lands, BLM Wyoming said. A maximum of five permits per person can be obtained by an individual for personal use, the release noted. The U.S. Forest Service offers its own permits and regulations.
BLM permits are available online or at local field offices.
“Currently, the Casper, Buffalo, Cody, Lander and Worland field offices are selling permits online,” the release said. “The Rawlins, Rock Springs, Pinedale and Kemmerer field offices will begin selling permits on November 23.”
People buying permits from field offices can do so between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monda–Friday. The BLM Wyoming State Office itself, unlike field offices, is not selling permits.
“It is the purchaser’s responsibility to not trespass on private land and to make sure you’re cutting the tree in the correct area,” BLM Wyoming noted. “Be prepared for winter weather and high country conditions.”
People can visit www.blm.gov/wyoming-christmas-trees for more information. They can also call local BLM offices:
- 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
- Newcastle Field Office: (307) 746-6600
- 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
