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SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico State Land Office announced today 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 located east of Black Lake and South of Angel Fire. A limit of one tree, no taller than 15 feet, is allowed per permit.

Permits are also 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,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard. “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 December 15, 2021, and the permits are valid through December 25, 2021.

Click here to download and return a permit application, find maps and directions, along with all other important details regarding the permits.

Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard has overseen the New Mexico State Land Office since 2019. In that time the agency has raised more than $5 billion for New Mexico public schools, hospitals, and universities. Over 13 million acres of state trust land are leased for a variety of uses, including ranching and farming, renewable energy, business development, mineral development, and outdoor recreation. The State Land Office has a dual mandate to use state trust land to financially support vital public institutions, while simultaneously working to protect the land for future generations.