WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of the Interior on Friday launched a nationwide holiday affordability initiative slashing the cost of Christmas tree and firewood permits to just $1 in an effort to ease household expenses while accelerating hazardous fuel reduction on public lands.
Effective immediately and running through January 31, the Bureau of Land Management will reduce permit fees, open new cutting areas in overstocked forests, and allow families to gather significantly more firewood and trees than in past years. The department projects nearly $10 million in direct savings to American households during the 2025–26 winter season.
“Under President Trump, we are making Christmas affordable again,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said. He called the initiative a dual-purpose effort to cut costs and promote forest thinning. “American families deserve real relief and savings during the holidays, and at Interior, we are making certain that they can heat their homes while keeping their traditions alive.”
Under the “One Dollar, One Tree” program, Christmas tree and firewood permits will cost only $1 per tree or cord. New cutting zones will be opened near communities, tribal lands, rural counties, and military bases, where officials say increased access can simultaneously reduce fuel loads and expand public use of federal woodlands.
Household limits have also been boosted to allow up to 10 cords of firewood and up to three Christmas trees. In areas with “abundant resources,” local managers may lift limits entirely.
Interior officials say the effort supports both affordability and wildfire resilience by encouraging the removal of excess vegetation across millions of acres. Many of the newly accessible areas have not previously been open to the public for personal-use harvesting.
Families interested in participating can contact their local Bureau of Land Management office or purchase permits online through the agency’s forest products portal at forestproducts.blm.gov.
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