Elko District Office
| Contacts: | Leona Rodreick | , 775-753-0386 | , leona_rodreick@blm.gov |
Christmas Tree Permits Available at BLM
Elko, Nev.— Christmas time evokes a feeling of nostalgia for many especially when it comes to the annual event of cutting a tree for families to enjoy through the holiday season. Christmas tree permits are now available at the Elko Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office and will be sold through December 24. Each permit allows the harvesting of one Christmas tree from public lands managed by BLM. In northeastern Nevada, Pinion Pine and Utah Juniper are the favorites for family Christmas Trees. Permits sell for $3 each. Along with the Christmas Tree Permit tag, purchasers are provided a map showing cutting areas and requirements.
Permits may be purchased in person, through the mail or over the phone. When purchasing your permit in person exact change is appreciated. Mailed requests for permits should be received by December 11 in order to allow for processing and mailing of your permit. When purchasing by mail or phone, please provide the following information: name and address to which the permit(s) are to be mailed; daytime telephone number; and a check or money order for $3 per tree, payable to: "USDI-BLM.” Debit and credit cards are accepted as well. Checks with incorrect amounts will be returned to the sender. To expedite your request, please write on envelope “Christmas Tree Permit”.
When driving home with your tree, make sure the tree permit tag is visible. The permit needs to be attached to the tree and sealed so that the permit must be cut or the seal broken to be removed.
Tree cutters are reminded to be prepared for sudden weather changes and colder conditions in higher elevations. A fun family outing can become miserable and even dangerous with a quick change of weather for the unprepared. Permits expire on December 25, however BLM recommends cutting your tree early in the season before the higher elevations are snow bound. Trees can stay fresh for quite some time if cared for correctly.
To help keep your tree fresh, cut two inches from the bottom of your tree when you get home and place it in water. Keep your tree watered and in a shady spot until you are ready for it in the house. Another helpful hint is to bring an old tarp to wrap your tree in. When you drag your tree out of the forest, the tarp protects the tree and helps you avoid breaking branches. The tarp can also help prevent wind damage to your tree on the way home.
Permits may be purchased at the Elko BLM office at 3900 East Idaho Street, Elko, NV 89801, or by calling 775-753-0200. Office hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The BLM manages more land - over 245 million acres - than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
Elko District Office 3900 East Idaho Street Elko, NV 89801