How to get a permit to cut down your own Christmas tree

Jessica Onsurez, Carlsbad Current-Argus
·1 min read

The Bureau of Land Management began offering permits to New Mexicans who wished to harvest a Christmas tree from federally managed land Nov. 22.

Each permit is $5. Residents can cut piñon and juniper trees through Dec. 23 from areas designated for harvest. Permits may be purchased, and maps of eligible areas can be found, online at forestproducts.blm.gov.

Those who purchase a permit online should make plans to print the permit and map.

All harvested trees should be tagged with the permit before transporting out of public land.

"The BLM has developed georeferenced maps compatible with any georeferenced map mobile application," read a news release from the BLM.

Maps may be downloaded at https://www.blm.gov/maps/georeferenced-PDFs.

Calling ahead is encouraged of those who wish to visit a field office to purchase a permit.

"Due to the increasing cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico, the BLM has adjusted services at its offices," a news release read.

"Before you visit your local BLM office to obtain a permit, please call that office to confirm services and availability of staff."

Permits may be purchased at the following field offices:

Rio Puerco Field Office

Location:100 Sun Ave., NE, Suite 330, Albuquerque, NM 87109

Telephone: 505-761-8700

Socorro Field Office

Location: 901 S. Old U.S. Hwy 85, Socorro, NM 87801

Telephone: 575-835-0412

New Mexico State Office

Location: 301 Dinosaur Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87508

Telephone: 505-954-2000

Farmington Field Office

Location: 6251 College Blvd., Farmington, NM 87402

Telephone: 505-564-7600

Taos Field Office

Location: 226 Cruz Alta Rd. Taos, NM 87571

Telephone: 575- 758-8851

For more information about Christmas tree permits, please contact your local BLM office or the BLM New Mexico State Office at 505-954-2222.

Jessica Onsurez can be reached at jonsurez@gannett.com, @JussGREAT on Twitter at by phone at 575-628-5531.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Want a live Christmas tree this season? Here's how to get your permit