CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST, N.M. – Families in Cibola County can once again head into the woods to cut their own Christmas trees this season, with permits now available for both the Cibola National Forest and nearby Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.
Cibola National Forest officials announced that Christmas tree permits are on sale for the Mt. Taylor, Magdalena and Mountainair ranger districts, including the Mt. Taylor Ranger District based in Grants. Permits can be purchased online through Recreation.gov or in person at forest offices.
The cutting season for Cibola National Forest permits runs from Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, through Dec. 31. Each permit is valid for one tree, with a limit of two trees per household. Prices are:
• $10 for a tree up to 10 feet tall
• $12 for a tree up to 12 feet tall
• $15 for a tree up to 15 feet tall (maximum allowed height)
Forest staff remind visitors to park only where allowed and to be aware that regular day-use fees may still apply at certain recreation sites, even when cutting a tree.
How to get a Cibola National Forest permit
To buy a permit online for the Mt. Taylor, Magdalena or Mountainair districts, residents can go to www.recreation.gov/tree permits and search for “Cibola National Forest Christmas Tree Permits.” Shoppers will need to log in or create a Recreation.gov account and are urged to read the overview and “need-toknow” information before completing the transaction.
For those who prefer to buy in person, permits are available at the Cibola National Forest Supervisor’s Office and at the ranger district offices, including Mt. Taylor. Current office hours for permit sales are posted at www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/ offices.
Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for one free Christmas tree permit from the forest. Families can enter their pass or voucher number when they purchase the permit; a $2.50 online reservation fee still applies.
Forest officials note that cutting a tree in designated areas does more than bring a fresh pine or fir into the living room—removing small-diameter trees helps thin overly dense stands, allowing other trees to grow larger and opening up space that can benefit wildlife habitat.
BLM Permits for Piñon and Juniper
In addition to national forest permits, the Bureau of Land Management is also selling personal Christmas tree permits for piñon and juniper on certain BLM lands in New Mexico.
BLM permits cost $5 per tree and are available beginning Nov. 24 through Dec. 24 from several field offices, including the Rio Puerco Field Office in Albuquerque and the Socorro Field Office – the closest locations for most Cibola County residents. The New Mexico State Office in Santa Fe and field offices in Farmington and Taos are also participating.
Permits and maps can be obtained over the counter at local BLM offices. For some locations, permits may also be purchased online at https://forestproducts.blm. gov. Those buying online must be able to print both the permit and the map before heading out.
When transporting a tree harvested from BLM land, the haul tag issued with the permit must be attached to the tree. BLM has also developed georeferenced maps that work with common mobile map apps; instructions are available at www.blm.gov/maps/georeferenced- PDFs.
Because office hours and services can vary, the BLM is asking the public to call ahead before visiting:
• Rio Puerco Field Office (Albuquerque): (505) 761-8700
• Socorro Field Office (Socorro): (575) 835-- 0412
For general questions about BLM Christmas tree permits in New Mexico, residents can also contact the BLM New Mexico State Office at (505) 9542222. Planning a Local Tree Cutting Trip
Whether heading up Mt. Taylor from Grants or driving to a nearby BLM area, officials urge residents to plan ahead: check weather and road conditions, bring a map, dress warmly, and make sure vehicles are equipped for winter travel. Cutting is allowed only in designated areas, and rules on species, height and distance from roads or streams can vary by district or field office.
Local families interested in turning their holiday tree into a day in the woods have several options close to home this year—so long as they remember the most important part of the trip: don’t forget the permit.