‘Tis the season! And for those looking for an outdoor experience as they begin celebrating the holidays, the Bureau of Land Management will begin issuing Christmas tree permits starting today through Dec. 24.

The permits, which are specifically for Christmas trees on public lands managed by the BLM in Southeast Idaho, are $15 each with a limit of one per family. Note that tag prices and restrictions are different for trees cut on Forest Service lands.

While most of our public lands are available for Christmas tree permits, a few areas are closed because of their unique ecology or wildlife value.

Christmas tree cutting is closed in the following areas in the Pocatello Field Office (but not limited to): Petticoat Peak and Worm Creek Wilderness Study Areas and Wolverine Canyon.

Closed Areas in Upper Snake Field Office boundary include (but are not limited to) the following wilderness study areas: Sand Mountain, Black Canyon, Appendicitis Hill, Snake River Islands, Henrys Lake, White Knob Mountain, Hawley Mountain, China Cup, Cedar Butte, Hell’s Half Acre and Burnt Creek.

The public may purchase the BLM Christmas tree permits at the following locations:

• Upper Snake Field Office, 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls.
• Pocatello Field Office, 4350 S. Cliffs Drive, Pocatello.
• Westside Ranger District, 193 South 300 East, Malad.

You must have a valid permit to cut or remove trees from public lands. Further questions regarding Christmas tree cutting on public lands may be directed to Channing Swan of the BLM Pocatello Field Office at 208-478-6340.

POCATELLO – It’s time to get outside! The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – Pocatello Field Office (PFO) will open the Chinese Peak – Blackrock Trail System on Saturday, April 15 to motorized and mechanized travel (bicycling). The trail system is closed to protect wintering deer from Nov. 16 through April 14. Travel is limited to designated routes only and all unsigned routes are closed.

“Idaho weather is unpredictable, and even though the trail system is open, we can expect snow or rain at any moment so please use these trails responsibly,” said Chuck Patterson, outdoor recreation planner for the BLM Pocatello Field Office. “Staying on designated roads/trails and avoiding snow drifts and muddy areas help prevent resource damage.” Patterson also says riders should be cautious since there may still be a few deep drifts on north-facing slopes at higher elevations.

As this area is very popular with recreationalists of all kind, the BLM would like to remind the public of the No Shooting Area within the Blackrock Canyon recreation site, which includes: parking areas, ATV loading/unloading ramps, picnic sites, camping areas and restrooms. The regulation is also enforced 150 yards on each side of the Blackrock Canyon road for the first two miles after entering the BLM gate. No shooting is allowed on the private lands within Blackrock Canyon and at the AMI and Chinese Peak developed parking areas. The recreation area and developed parking areas receives high levels of use and the No Shooting Area helps protect the public.

The PFO has developed a Trail System map depicting the trail access points, regulations, and trail etiquette. Free maps are available to the public at the PFO located at 4350 Cliffs Drive. Although the BLM is opening the Chinese Peak – Blackrock Trail System, seasonal closures are still in place on other BLM and U.S. Forest Service trails until May 15. Please check with the local BLM and Forest Service office at 208-478-6340 or 208-236-7500 for more information.