With December and the start of the busiest portion of the holiday season just days away, officials with Bureau of Land Management field offices throughout Wyoming are reminding residents about the availability of 2012 Christmas tree permits.

Permits can currently be purchased at any BLM office in Wyoming.

Lesley Elser, the information officer at the Casper BLM office, says permits are currently available for the Shirley Mountain and Billy Creek areas in central Wyoming.

Christmas tree permits are for any tree species, but BLM recommends Engleman spruce, subalpine fir, Douglas fir or lodgepole pine as the best species for your Christmas tree," Elser said.

Elser urges caution, asking residents to be mindful of trespassing regulations and poor weather conditions when cutting down a Christmas tree.

Permits cost $7.50 per tree. A maximum of five trees can be harvested.

To purchase a permit, or for more information, contact the BLM’s Casper office at (307) 261-7600.

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