BLM offering $1 Christmas trees, cords of wood in western states
Dec. 5 (UPI) — The Bureau of Land Management announced Friday a new “One Dollar, One Tree” holiday savings plan for those who buy their trees or firewood from federal lands.
Through Dec. 31, firewood and Christmas tree permit fees are $1 per tree or cord. A cord of wood is a stack of logs of about 4 by 4 by 8 feet. The BLM also will open new cutting areas in overstocked woodlands, a press release said. The new limit is 10 cords of firewood and up to three Christmas trees per family, but there is flexibility in areas with abundant resources.
This option is only available in western states, plus Alaska.
The Bureau said the savings from these two programs are projected to deliver nearly $10 million in economic relief during the holiday season and help to reduce hazardous fuels on public land.
“Under President [Donald] Trump, we are making Christmas affordable again,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, in a statement. “American families deserve real relief and savings during the holidays, and at Interior, we are making certain that they can heat their homes while keeping their traditions alive. The ‘One Dollar, One Tree’ initiative is a powerful example of how our public lands can deliver lasting benefits for the American people, making this season brighter and more affordable for all.”
BLM sells between 30,000 to 40,000 cords of firewood every year, its website said. Forest products on public lands may be harvested for recreation, personal use, or as a source of income.
