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BLM launches “One dollar, one tree” holiday savings across local public lands

New fee reductions and expanded cutting areas offer meaningful savings for families this winter

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

Media Contact:

BLM Utah External Affairs
A close-up photograph of two yellow Bureau of Land Management signs mounted on a metal post in a snowy landscape. The top sign reads, "BLM ENTERING CHRISTMAS TREE CUTTING AREA" with the BLM logo. Below it, a second sign states, "BLM CHRISTMAS TREE CUTTING AREA BY PERMIT ONLY CONTACT BLM OFFICE AT: 801-977-4300," also with the logo. In the background, a dry, brush-covered hill with scattered evergreen trees slopes upwards towards a large mountain under a partly cloudy blue sky. Snow patches cover the ground
BLM signage marks a designated Christmas tree cutting area in Utah. As part of the new 'One Dollar, One Tree' initiative, the BLM has lowered permit fees to $1 to encourage harvesting in overstocked areas, helping to reduce hazardous fuels while providing affordable holiday resources for families. Photo by JD Mallory, BLM Utah.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Bureau of Land Management has announced a series of holiday affordability measures that will help families save money, enjoy public lands, and support wildfire prevention efforts across Utah during the 2025–2026 winter season.

Effective immediately through January 31, the BLM is reducing many personal-use permit fees to just $1, including Christmas tree permits and firewood permits. Local BLM offices offer cutting areas in overstocked woodlands to provide families with opportunities to gather their own firewood and Christmas trees, while also supporting forest thinning and hazardous fuel reduction.

“We are committed to helping Utahns connect with their public lands in meaningful and affordable ways,” said Joe Mendez, BLM Utah Associate State Director. “This initiative not only lowers costs for families gathering firewood and holiday trees, but it also supports our shared goal of reducing wildfire risk and improving the resilience of Utah’s landscapes.”

These actions align with the Trump administration’s mission to lower costs for American families and will contribute to national savings estimated at more than $9.4 million this holiday season.

These steps will help reduce household costs and improve forest conditions by removing overstocked or hazardous fuels. The BLM will continue coordinating with community partners, tribal governments and local organizations to share information about permit availability and new cutting areas.

Residents can find up-to-date information on permit locations, cutting area maps, and safety guidance at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/natural-resources/forests-and-woodlands/forest-product-permits/utah-christmastrees

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.