The BLM Bishop Field Office offers online Christmas tree cutting permits

BISHOP, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office is offering personal use Christmas tree cutting permits online, from now until Dec. 24. The permits allow the public to harvest up to five Christmas trees on designated BLM-managed public lands near Benton and Bridgeport in Mono County.

"We are again offering an online purchase option for Christmas tree permits this year," said Bishop Field Manager Sherri Lisius. "We are excited to be able to continue this holiday tradition for the community."

Permits are available for purchase at $5 per tree and permit stipulations must be followed. To purchase a permit online, please visit forestproducts.blm.gov. The public can also review maps of designated cutting areas and read these helpful tips to plan their trip in advance and be well prepared.

To process a permit online, select the map icon of California and the Benton Range-Bridgeport cutting areas, then follow the prompts to complete the purchase. The site will direct the purchaser to pay.gov to process payment for the permit via credit card or bank transfer. The process takes just minutes, and the website will email a copy of the electronic permit. For questions, please call the Bishop Field Office at 760-872-5000.

Those interested in tree cutting in the Lida Summit area of Nevada, or other areas managed by the BLM Tonopah Field Office, call 775-482-7800 to have a permit mailed. Please allow one week for processing.