Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Permits Now On Sale Across Wyoming

If you’re planning to head into the hills for a real Wyoming Christmas tree this year, the Bureau of Land Management has officially opened up permit sales, Wyoming BLM reports.

You can buy Christmas tree permits online at https://forestproducts.blm.gov

Permits cost $7.50 to $10 per tree, depending on the area, and each person can purchase up to five trees for personal use.

You can also buy permits in person from BLM Wyoming field offices between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, except at the Newcastle and Cody field offices, which are not selling permits this year.

A BLM permit is only good on BLM-administered land. If you want to cut a tree on US Forest Service land, you’ll need a separate Forest Service permit, available at local Forest Service offices and some BLM offices.

When you head out to cut your tree:

• Trees must be under 15 feet tall;
• Diameter at breast height must be less than 8 inches;
• You must carry your valid permit while cutting and transporting the tree;
• You cannot cut trees in:

  • Wilderness areas;

  • Wilderness study areas;

  • Timber sale areas;

  • Campgrounds;

  • Boat access sites.

• No cutting on private land — double-check you’re on BLM-managed land to avoid trespassing;
• Be prepared for winter conditions and high-country weather.

Some tree species are off-limits:

• Any pine with needles in bundles of five, including:

  • Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis)

  • Limber pine (Pinus flexilis)

These are protected and must not be cut or damaged.

BLM says several local species make great Christmas trees:

• Subalpine fir;
• Engelmann spruce;
• Douglas-fir;
• Ponderosa pine;
• Lodgepole pine.

These are often found in the understory of aspen stands. Cutting trees from dense young stands or aspen areas can actually help forest health and improve wildlife habitat, so your Christmas tree can do a bit of good too.

Need more info? Visit: www.blm.gov/wyoming-christmas-trees

Or call your local BLM office:

• Buffalo Field Office – (307) 684-1100;
• Casper Field Office – (307) 261-7600;
• Kemmerer Field Office – (307) 828-4500;
• Lander Field Office – (307) 332-8400;
• 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.

Grab a permit, pack the thermos, and enjoy one of Wyoming’s best holiday traditions — just make sure you’re doing it by the book.