CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – Families in Cibola County still looking for a Christmas tree or extra firewood this winter will see new savings on nearby public lands, after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced a temporary “One Dollar, One Tree” holiday fee reduction across New Mexico.
The update comes as Christmas tree cutting continues on Mt. Taylor and other areas of the Cibola National Forest through the end of December.
Mt. Taylor Tree Permits Still Available
Cibola National Forest officials are reminding local residents that Christmas tree permits remain on sale for the Mt. Taylor, Magdalena and Mountainair ranger districts, including the Mt. Taylor Ranger District based in Grants.
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 remain: $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/treepermits 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 Drops Christmas Tree & Firewood Permits to $1
In addition to the national forest options close to Grants and western Cibola County, the BLM has rolled out a new, statewide holiday savings program that significantly lowers costs for families using nearby BLM lands.
Effective immediately through Jan. 31, BLM New Mexico is: Reducing fees for personal- use Christmas tree and firewood permits to $1 in many locations, and increasing household limits to up to three Christmas trees and up to 10 cords of firewood. “Here in New Mexico, families rely on public lands for tradition, recreation, and essential resources,” said BLM New Mexico State Director Melanie Barnes. “These fee reductions and expanded access make it easier for people to gather firewood and Christmas trees close to home, all while helping us reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health.”
The agency says these actions are part of a broader national effort under the Trump administration to lower costs for families and reduce wildfire risk by thinning overstocked stands.
Previously, BLM Christmas tree permits in New Mexico cost $5 per tree. Under the new “One Dollar, One Tree” effort, eligible personal-use permits will be reduced to $1 during the holiday period.
Closest BLM Offices for Cibola County Residents
Permits and maps for BLM lands can be obtained online at forestproducts. blm.gov for some locations and over the counter at the following offices. For most Cibola County residents, the closest options remain the Rio Puerco and Socorro field offices: Rio Puerco Field Office 100 Sun Ave., NE, Suite 330 Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 761-8700 Socorro Field Office 901 S. Old U.S. Hwy 85 Socorro, NM 87801 (575) 835-0412
Additional offices participating in the program include: New Mexico State Office 301 Dinosaur Trail Santa Fe, NM 87508 (505) 954-2000 Farmington Field Office 6251 College Blvd Farmington, NM 87402 (505) 564-7600 Taos Field Office 1024PaseodelPuebloSur Taos, NM 87571-5983 (575) 758-8851
Residents are encouraged to call ahead before visiting, as office hours and services can vary by location.
For general questions about Christmas tree permits on BLM lands in New Mexico, residents can contact the BLM New Mexico State Office at (505) 954-2000.
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.
Planning a Local Tree Cutting Trip
After obtaining a permit, families can head up Mt. Taylor from Grants, driving from Milan or Bluewater into the national forest, or traveling to a nearby BLM cutting area, officials urge residents to plan ahead: Check weather and road conditions before leaving home; Bring a paper map or downloaded map and know your cutting area boundaries; Dress in warm layers and pack water, food, and emergency supplies; Make sure your vehicle is equipped for winter and that someone knows where you are going.
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.
Between the ongoing Cibola National Forest program on Mt. Taylor and the new $1 BLM permit reductions, local families have multiple affordable options to keep holiday traditions alive – and their homes warm – thanks to the public lands that surround Cibola County this winter.