Pine Nut Christmas tree cutting limited to junipers

Anyone seeking to cut a Christmas tree in the Pine Nuts or Virginia Range will have to settle for a juniper instead of a piñon.

“Piñon pine Christmas trees may not be harvested within the Pine Nut Mountains or the Virginia Range due to past fires and habitat conservation for piñon jay,” the Bureau of Land Management announced on Tuesday. “Juniper Christmas trees may be harvested on all Carson City District BLM-administered lands. Cutting of Christmas trees within Wilderness or Wilderness study areas is prohibited. In addition, be conscious of not cutting Christmas trees near city or residential areas.”

Permits went on sale on Tuesday both online and in person. Permits purchased at https://forestproducts.blm.gov/ are good through Christmas Day.

Permits are also available through the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce, located in the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center.

Permits are $5, each and include a map and permit stipulations. No more than 10 permits may be purchased by one person. Permits are for individual use only. The permit allows the purchaser to cut only a piñon pine or juniper tree. The cutting of all other tree species is prohibited. 

Piñon pine Christmas trees may only be harvested in the Clan Alpine and Desatoya Mountains, east of Fallon, and the Excelsior Mountains southeast of Hawthorne.

“Tree cutters should be prepared with warm clothing, first aid kit, extra food and water, heavy rope or chain, shovel and tire chains, in the event of bad road conditions or inclement weather,” said Paul Fuselier, Acting Sierra Front Field Manager. “Some cutting areas may be inaccessible after snowfall, so it is advisable to cut trees early in the season.”

Tree cutters are reminded to have their permit when they are out and to follow the rules on the permit.

“Stay on existing roads, consult your maps to insure you are on BLM land, and please report any permit violations with as much information as possible (e.g. date, license plate number, detailed location, and directions to area) to the Carson City District Office,” according to the BLM.