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Christmas Trees

Permits for pinyon pine and juniper Christmas Trees are issued each year beginning about November 1. Both personal-use and commercial permits are available. (link to forestry products map).

  • Trees can be harvested anywhere on BLM lands.
  • Limit to two permits per household.
  • Tree species which can be harvested are pinyon pine (single and double leaf) and Utah juniper).
  • Trees must be cut as close to the ground surface as possible.  Stump height must not exceed 6 inches.
  • Tree must be tagged at the location of harvest and the tag must remain on the tree until point of use.

Pinyon PinePinyon Pine

  • Mature trees average 25 feet high.
  • Double needle pinyon needles are 1 to 1 1/3 inches long, in clusters of two.  Single leaf pinyon needles are 1 to 2 inches long.
  • Needles feel “sharp” to the touch.
  • Found in elevations between 5,000 and 8,500 feet.  Usually found with Utah juniper.

Utah JuniperUtah Juniper

  • Mature trees average 20 feet high.
  • Needles are 1/8-inch in length, scale like in opposite pairs.
  • Needles feel “soft” to the touch.
  • Trees are usually bushy with rounded crown and a trunk that is forked occasionally with a central dominant trunk.
  • Found in elevations between 5,000 and 8,000 feet.  Usually found with pinyon pine.

Safety Tips

  • Notify friends or relatives where you intend to go, route of travel, make and model of vehicle, license plate number and when to expect you back.
  • Be prepared for cold, wet weather and muddy or snowy roads.
  • Check with your local news media for weather conditions in the area of travel.
  • Remember, winter storms can occur suddenly.  If one comes up, start home soon.  If you get caught in a storm, be cautious and stay on main roads, avoid short cuts.  To prevent hypothermia, stay dry, avoid overexertion.  Beware of the wind.  A slight breeze carries heat away from bare skin much faster than still air.  Carry snacks and eat them.
  • If you get stranded, stay with your party and vehicle.  Help will be on the way as soon as possible.
  • Keep a window open while using car heaters.
  • Plan to leave the cutting area before 5:00 p.m.

   
Last updated: 03-04-2011