From the New Mexico State Land Office:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico State Land Office announced Thursday that it is again offering low-cost Christmas tree-cutting and farolito sand-gathering permits on state trust land in advance of the upcoming holiday season.
Christmas tree-cutting permits are available for $10. The permitted area is east of Black Lake and South of Angel Fire. A limit of one tree, no taller than 15 feet, is allowed per permit.
Permits also are available to gather sand to fill farolitos for $5. The permits allow for the removal of up to 20 gallons of sand per permit, which is enough to fill approximately 100 farolito bags. Seven areas have been made available across the state for sand-gathering purposes.
Interested individuals can visit the agency’s website to download and return a permit application, find maps and directions, along with all other important details regarding the permits.
“As the holidays approach, we are pleased to offer low-cost permits to help New Mexico’s families get into the spirit of the season and to celebrate long-held traditions,” Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard said. “Following a devastating wildfire season that ravaged our national forests, it is my hope that providing these permits on state land will enable families to still find that perfect Christmas tree for their homes. As a bonus, the nominal fee you pay for your permit will directly benefit New Mexico public schools, so it is truly a win-win.”
Sand gathering locations have been spread out across the state in the following areas:
- Santa Fe
- Albuquerque
- Las Cruces
- Bloomfield area
- Socorro area
Permit applications must be received no later than Dec. 15, and the permits are valid through Dec. 25.
