Cutting Down Your Own Christmas Tree Will Cost Less This Year

Bureau of Land Management Christmas tree permits are just a dollar, this season, following a temporary price reduction approved by the Interior Department.  The BLM’s Suzannah Burke admits the reduction from five dollars isn’t a huge savings, but the publicity has led to more families cutting their trees in the forest.

“Just by kind of running this one-tree for one-dollar is putting it back out there: these are your public lands to use. Here is a fun thing you can do with your public lands," Burke said.

But, keep in mind, there are rules.  Prineville, OR BLM Forester Austin Tschida said guidelines vary based on the district.

"Generally, you’re not allowed to cut anywhere that has a special designation, like a wilderness or wilderness study area, or places next to a stream or somewhere where it wouldn’t be beneficial," he said.

Firewood cutting permits are also a dollar for up to 10 cords, through January 31st.

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